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2006 Ford Escape's battery keeps dying
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paige_p
New User
Mar 9, 2016, 3:16 PM
Post #1 of 3
(1332 views)
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2006 Ford Escape's battery keeps dying
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2006
Ford
Escape XL
3.2L V6
Approx. 90,000km
This is my first post. I usually lurk on the boards to find the answer to any problem I have, but I cannot figure this one out alone.
So, I purchased the vehicle in August 2015 from it's only owner and my problem started in October 2015. The vehicle would not start, and all of the gauges started shaking just below the 0 point of every scale. My radio made sounds as though it was trying to change the CDs, but over and over again. I took the key out of the ignition, and the vehicle continued to display the same symptoms until I opened the door of the vehicle. I took my multimeter out and read about 9V, so I figured it was the battery even though I was given the receipt for it and it was purchased in January 2015. I purchased a new battery, installed it, and the vehicle worked perfectly. I stopped turning on my heated seats, to try and control the large voltage drain from them.
I allowed my girlfriend to take the vehicle to work about 3 weeks after the new battery installation. At this point, the temperature outside is around -20 degrees Celsius. When she finished work at 7am, she tried to start the vehicle and it would not turn over. Security came and jumped the vehicle with a battery pack and she was able to drive it home. When I tried to start the vehicle the next day, it would not start again. I tested the battery and it was once again approximately 9V. My girlfriend's dad convinced me that this battery was bad too, and I returned it and replaced it with the new one. Once again, my vehicle worked.
About 3 weeks after the new battery, the vehicle displayed the SAME symptoms. We brought the alternator in for a test, and it passed. We charged the battery with a plug-in battery pack, and allowed it to sit for approximately 6-8 hours. However, the charger would not go past 60%. When I unplugged the vehicle, it started.
Fast-forward to today. I was driving, when all of a sudden my heat, radio, gauges, and lights turned off. My CD player made the same sounds as well. My battery light came on for the first time as well. I continued to drive it home because I was scared it would not make it home if I stopped the vehicle. After a few minutes (less than five), everything came back on.
I made it home, and now the vehicle is sitting out there and I have no idea where to start. The battery is okay (it MUST be, it's the third battery), the alternator tested okay, and the time it takes for the battery to die is quite long. Does anyone know what I should do to figure out what's wrong?
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kev2
Veteran
Mar 9, 2016, 3:29 PM
Post #2 of 3
(1327 views)
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Re: 2006 Ford Escape's battery keeps dying
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how comfortable are you using a DVOM and test light ?
ideally you should test alternator IN vehicle - is it sensing voltages, charging, is that charge getting to battery and is it being properly controlled by PCM or external regulator as applicable.
Are there any added electrical devices- aftermarket audio, lighting, remote starter, alarm, GPS etc.
Try a FREE scan at an auto parts store - wont hurt might yield a clue as not all codes will turn the CEL (ck eng light)- and as its a used car we do not know if the CEL even works.
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paige_p
New User
Mar 9, 2016, 3:34 PM
Post #3 of 3
(1324 views)
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Re: 2006 Ford Escape's battery keeps dying
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I work on AC electrical systems, never on cars, so what are you referring to when you say test light?
Sorry that I was not clear - the alternator was tested while it was in the vehicle.
There is an anti-rust system installed, but that is all.
When I go to the parts store, what kind of scan should I ask for? A scan to get any codes from the computer?
I have to leave the house right now, but I will be back in a few hours to check the forums. Thank you!
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