Starting issues 1994 850 non T

Benoit Muto · Post by **Benoit Muto** » 01 Jan 2010, 09:44

Our 850 wagon(225k) has been having random starting issues. It will start ok for days then it acts up all day.You turn the key,all dash lights come on,but not enough juice to start, only cranks a little then nada.It will start right up when jumped. I had the battery load tested, still good.(12.6-13v) We have noticed the battery light comes on faintly(again random), so I checked the alternator output - 18volts(?)Is there a voltage regulator? I cleaned every electrical connection I could find and thought it was good but a week later(maybe w/ the colder weather?) it's happening again.
Any advice?

Benoit Muto · Post by **Benoit Muto** » 01 Jan 2010, 09:53

PS. just happened again.
battery before jump 13v (analog meter)
jumped car - battery running @ 8v
alternator output between main connection and negative terminal - *18v
After starting:
battery light on faintly, then brighter
ABS light came on, then SRS light on,headlights dim,wipers slow
after 8-10 mins ,headlights brighten,wipers normal,warning lights wink off -back to normal(?) Starts ok
all electrical readings the same thoughout.
Perplexed!

Ricky_devon · Post by **Ricky_devon** » 01 Jan 2010, 15:19

Hi,
Sounds like your altenator regulator in knackered. When they start to play up they will give all sorts of wierd results. Any 12v system altenator should never kick out any more than 14.5 volts, (nominal 14v). Get your altenator off and tested by a profession auto electrical company, (if its only the regulator - they maybe able to replace without complete altenator replacement). You may have to replace battery in time - they don't like receiving 18v! Check the fluid level of each battery cell (engine off!), top up to marker with de-ionised water - care not to splash battery contents into your eyes. The reason for this is that a battery that has been over charged will eventually 'boil' dry.

Post by **patrioty3k** » 01 Jan 2010, 15:25

Replace the Battery first...my wifes' 2000 Ford Explorer would have nothing to do with a jump or anything else until I threw a new battery in her,after that everything was fine..what is 228k?...for mileage...noticed you were from Ct.?

Post by **patrioty3k** » 01 Jan 2010, 15:28

Ok,my bad 225k miles,change the battery...less than $100....