99 Ford Taurus Battery Problems

The 1999 Ford Taurus received the government's highest marks for front crash tests.

Flag this photo

A malfunctioning battery or charging system in a car can create an array of symptoms: no starts, electronics malfunctions and complete vehicle shutdown are just basic examples of what a malfunctioning battery can do to a vehicle. All three versions of the 3.0-liter V-6 in the base model, as well as the 3.4-liter V-8 in the 1999 Taurus SHO utilize the same battery sizes. The 1999 Ford Taurus uses a standard 36-series battery, but has the option of a 34-series, as well. Proper protective equipment is essential to performing this project in a safe manner.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedSafety glasses or gogglesLatex gloves or rubber-lined working gloves3/8-inch-drive ratchet and socket setBattery terminal cleaning tool or wire brushAnti-corrosion aerosol bottle (optional)MultimeterAssistant or second personSuggest Edits1

Put on safety glasses and latex gloves. Open the hood of the Taurus. Inspect the physical shape of the battery. Bulging sides on the battery can be a sign of bad cells within the battery, which causes expansion of the outer casing. Excess corrosion on the battery terminals or on top of the battery can indicate a possible leak of battery acid. Pushing inward on the sides of the battery can help you determine if the battery is leaking; you will hear a hissing sound or see a physical reaction if it does. Do not push the sides excessively, as this creates a safety and health risk.

2

Remove the battery cables from the battery with a ratchet and socket. Thoroughly clean the battery terminals with a battery post cleaner or wire brush. Clean the battery cable leads in the same manner. Install the battery cables back on the battery and tighten them snug. Spray anti-corrosion spray onto the cleaned leads and terminals to prevent corrosion from interfering with your battery's connections.

3

Remove the two rectangular covers from the top of the battery, using a flat-head screwdriver. Inspect the water level in each of the battery fill holes. If the water level is more than 1/4 inch below the top lip of the hole, fill each hole with water. Install the caps, by hand, when you are finished. Some batteries are sealed units, or non-maintenance batteries. Do not try to remove the water covers on a battery that has a label indicating it is a sealed unit.

4

Turn your multimeter to "V," or the voltage setting, between 20 and 200 volts. Place the red probe from the multimeter onto the positive battery terminal. Place the black probe from the meter on the negative battery terminal. Your multimeter should provide a reading of 12.00 volts or higher. If the battery has a low voltage reading, recharge the battery on a charger, then retest the battery once the charge is complete. If the battery will not accept a charge from the charger, replace the battery.

5

Ask an assistant to start the engine, and increase the rpm to 1,500. Use jumper cables and another vehicle battery to jump-start the engine, if needed. Place the multimeter probes on the appropriate terminals again. The multimeter should show a reading of 12.50 to 14.00 volts. If the reading is above or below these numbers, then the alternator should be tested and possibly replaced. This voltage test needs to be performed on a fully charged battery.

6

Ask your assistant to turn on the high-beam headlights and the blower motor, with the engine still running. Ask him or her to increase the engine rpm to about 2,000. Take another reading with your multimeter. The voltage reading on the multimeter should increase about 0.5 volts. if the voltage on the meter does not change with the electrical loads on, the charging system on the Taurus is not working properly. Shut the engine off when testing is finished.

Tips & Warnings

Battery acid is highly corrosive, and it should not come in contact with your skin directly. Flush any part of your skin that comes in contact with the acid or battery corrosion with a large amount of cold water. Seek medical attention for burns caused by battery acid immediately.

Suggest item

ReferencesMotor Trend: 1999 Ford Taurus Specificationsuwinsurance.com: ow to Use a Multimeter to Test a Car BatteryPhoto Credit Getty Images/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesRead Next:

Print this articleCommentsFollow eHowFollow

View the Original article