why does my Ford Explorer's battery light stay on

Solution

1. Preparation

• Tools Required: OBD-II scanner, multimeter, socket set, wrench set, safety gloves, eye protection.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is off. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shock.

2. Inspect and Clean Battery Terminals

• Remove the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal.
• Clean the terminals and connectors using a wire brush and a baking soda solution (one tablespoon of baking soda mixed with water).
• Rinse with water and dry thoroughly before reconnecting the terminals.

3. Test and Replace Battery (if necessary)

• Reconnect the battery terminals and check the battery voltage with a multimeter.
• If the voltage is below 12.4 volts, replace the battery.
• To replace, remove the battery hold-down bracket and disconnect the terminals. Install the new battery and secure it with the hold-down bracket.

4. Inspect and Replace Alternator (if necessary)

• If the alternator voltage output is below 13.7 volts while the engine is running, the alternator may be faulty.
• Disconnect the battery again. Remove the alternator belt by loosening the tensioner.
• Remove the alternator bolts and disconnect the wiring harness.
• Install the new alternator by reversing the removal process, ensuring all connections are secure.

5. Reconnect Battery and Test System

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal first, then the positive terminal.
• Start the engine and check if the battery light remains illuminated. If it does not, perform a test drive to ensure all systems function properly.