Red Indicator on Battery Condition?
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Northwest Iowa, '00 F-150 Harley-Davidson
Red Indicator on Battery Condition?
OK, I'm having troubles with the battery on my new Mercury Mountaineer. (Yeah, I know it isn't an F150, but what the h*ll, maybe an F150 guy is having the same problem! 
) It keeps showing red in the bubble indicator on the battery even though no lights, radio, etc. have been left on. If it is driven for a long enough period (over 50 miles or so) the indicator does finally turn back to green, but within a few days, it is red again.
Am not sure if it is just a problem with the indicator or the battery is just failing or there is something unknown draining the battery down. The vehicle only has 1700 miles on it and I've only had it for two months. Prior to that it did sit on the dealer's lot for over 6 months and I'm concerned that it had deep discharges when it sat for that long, possibly ruining the battery?
It always seems to start fine and the headlights are bright, etc. but the red indicator is a concern. Any thoughts as to what might be causing that darn red indicator to keep showing on the battery?
) It keeps showing red in the bubble indicator on the battery even though no lights, radio, etc. have been left on. If it is driven for a long enough period (over 50 miles or so) the indicator does finally turn back to green, but within a few days, it is red again.Am not sure if it is just a problem with the indicator or the battery is just failing or there is something unknown draining the battery down. The vehicle only has 1700 miles on it and I've only had it for two months. Prior to that it did sit on the dealer's lot for over 6 months and I'm concerned that it had deep discharges when it sat for that long, possibly ruining the battery?
It always seems to start fine and the headlights are bright, etc. but the red indicator is a concern. Any thoughts as to what might be causing that darn red indicator to keep showing on the battery?
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,205
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From: Along Lake Erie
take it back!
The dealer should be able to warranty the battery. (I tshould have either a 6 month or 1 year free replacement, and a 6 year pro-rated warranty)
If they refuse because it's still "good", you can easily kill it. Siphon out a bit of the water from one of the cells, and replace it with a mixture of baking soda and water. They'll never notice, but that'll kill the cell in no time... it neutralizes the acid which kills the battery. (Remember, you didn't hear this from me)
I suspect if the indicator is red, they'll replace it, especially if you go complain to your salesman first, and it's a brand new car and all. They should be pretty sympathetic.
Oh... by the way, didn't you post this on the Explorer board? Not sure if it was you or not, but someone posted a similar post a week or so ago on www.4x4central.com (It's an awesome Explorer board like this one)
-Joe-
If they refuse because it's still "good", you can easily kill it. Siphon out a bit of the water from one of the cells, and replace it with a mixture of baking soda and water. They'll never notice, but that'll kill the cell in no time... it neutralizes the acid which kills the battery. (Remember, you didn't hear this from me)
I suspect if the indicator is red, they'll replace it, especially if you go complain to your salesman first, and it's a brand new car and all. They should be pretty sympathetic.
Oh... by the way, didn't you post this on the Explorer board? Not sure if it was you or not, but someone posted a similar post a week or so ago on www.4x4central.com (It's an awesome Explorer board like this one)
-Joe-
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Northwest Iowa, '00 F-150 Harley-Davidson
Explorer Board?
It sure wasn't me who posted on the Explorer board. Heck, I wasn't even aware of it, but I will go take a look now -- Thanks for the link!
I believe you are right as far as replacing the battery. Am pretty sure it is defective. I have a charger on it right now and can't get the darn indicator to green at all after 4 hours. I'd be surprised if they give me any trouble over it, and to top it off, the "salesman" who sold me the car owns the dealership!
Hahaha!
I believe you are right as far as replacing the battery. Am pretty sure it is defective. I have a charger on it right now and can't get the darn indicator to green at all after 4 hours. I'd be surprised if they give me any trouble over it, and to top it off, the "salesman" who sold me the car owns the dealership!
Hahaha!
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 197
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From: Michigan
Don't worry about the red indicator. The sight window is only reliable for a short time period and is used mainly to monitor battery charge through the build and delivery process. (It's a good way to encourage the assembly plant guys to close the doors in between shifts so the battery doesn't get rundown.)
Worst case, go to an Auto parts store and have them do a load test on your battery - if it passes forget about it. If your battery is bad, you should be noticing headlights dimming at idle or hesitant cranking of engine.
Worst case, go to an Auto parts store and have them do a load test on your battery - if it passes forget about it. If your battery is bad, you should be noticing headlights dimming at idle or hesitant cranking of engine.