Need Help badly! Have to always jumpstart to get my explorer started

[cpeters1965]

I have a weird problem and am hoping you all can help me pin it down! I have a 1997 Explorer and as of late I have to jumpstart it all the time! I don't get a dry click, it seems like battery is dead (had it checked says fine but low) when I put the jumpbox on it all the light s come on np. It runs fine after that. Please any ideas. The battery is low even when running Pic enclosed.

 

[GETMYBELTSON]

New battery

 

[firepop5]

clean battery posts and inside of cable terminals

 

[cpeters1965]

Thank you for the replies! I already have swapped out and cleaned the terminals and posts, so guess im going to have to get a battery. I will keep you all posted.

 

[almondj]

Battery gauge seems fine, I assume you took that pic when the truck was running. I just replaced my alternator and battery, and that's exactly where mine is sitting (on the gauge.)

I'd take it to autozone and have them test your alternator before you dump money into a battery, but who knows, both could be bad.

 

[cpeters1965]

almondj, I did have both checked at Advanced Auto and they said both were fine. The battery is maybe 8 years old so I'm thinking it may have tested good while slowly dying. Either way it's about 100.00 bucks, so go with the quick swap first. Thank you for replying!

 

[rego]

Have you checked voltage with motor running?

 

[cpeters1965]

rego, I have not. What would I use to do that and how would I go about it?

 

[Blee1099]

Check the battery cables, negative & positive, the alternator. Once you get the trucks started check the battery with a multimeter.. Should be throwing out atleast 13v. If anything less, your alternator is not charging. On the battery cables if you check the resistance from end to end on the cable if its more than a ohm than its bad.

 

[rego]

You would use a voltmeter. If you don't have a voltmeter turn your ignition to the on position without starting it. The icon lights will be on. Look for the red battery icon just above the speedometer needle. Is it there for you?

 

[cpeters1965]

Rego I just ried it, it does not come on. where would I attach the voltmeter/multimeter?

 

[rego]

Does a yellow seatbelt/airbag icon light up with key in on position? It would be just under the speedometer needle. There is a fuse panel at the driver side door hinge check fuse # 15. If the fuse is good, turn ignition to on as before and wiggle fuse 15 while watching for the battery icon. Check battery voltage at battery with meter as Blee mentioned.

 

[cpeters1965]

The only item lighting up dimly when I try this was the ABS light. I will try the fuse wiggle in a little bit.

 

[rego]

You may have to charge the battery a bit.

 

[cpeters1965]

rego, when i put the jumpbox on it and tried, the battery light came on. the seatbelt light came on as well (mine is red)

 

[rego]

I'm no expert by any means, just had a similar problem recently. A meter would be the next best try. My problem was with a 2000 with OHV motor. Would a 97 have the same dash icons? Anyone? My 2000 has a red seatbelt icon in the lower right part of the panel and a yellow icon with airbag and seatbelt below spedo needle. Which did you see? I think that if the yellow light or the battery light is burned out, that circuit is no longer complete and I know that circuit is involved with my charging system.

 

[cpeters1965]

rego, I just tried it again (had to go on a delivery my car is my livelihood) and seatbelt icon in the lower right part of the panel and a yellow icon with airbag and seatbelt below spedo needle did come on when I put jumpbox on it.

 

[rego]

Well, the meter would be my next move.

 

[mr2fix2it]

ok we are spending too much time with this.
First off drive truck to charge battery after that does it start back up?
If it does try disconnecting battery until you need truck again. Then put it back on if it starts your battery is ok!
If it don't You have a battery drain problem (something is staying on when truck is off).
But Lets find out the problem before we throw parts at it and kill them!

 

[cpeters1965]

mr2fix2it, I shut the car off and she will not start again until jumped. This is even after a immediate shut off and try to restart.