Weak battery - instruments sweep?

[mikeyinokc]

I have a 2000 Expedition. Would a weak battery cause all the instrument needles to sweep to the far right upon starting?

Just started today. It starts ok, but turns over just a bit slower than normal. But the instrument things has me wondering if it is just the battery, or is something else going on.

Thanks, Mike

 

[GAINMOB]

get all your charging systems checked at autozone or pepboys...i believe when my battery died thats what it did...not sure...could be batt, alternator, starter...i think....

 

[keelklan]

The Positive Connector on the battery is the weak link! it is a poor design and moves around with age! I went to Autozone and bought a after market connector with a nut and bolt on top to attach the other stuff on the postive side!

This fixed my trouble!

 

[ELVATO]

I'm guessing it's still the original battery? If not, how old is it?

My first guess would be a battery that is going bad. Granted, what keelklan said is also true. Check and clean the terminal connnections, and make sure they are making good contact. That would be the cheapest option to take.

 

[joezek]

I've seen this in the past on other cars. Besides the slow cranking, the gauges pegging out were caused by bad body grounds. Not sure on the expedition where and how many grounds there are for the instruments.

 

[ssbroly]

I've been thru 2 alternators and one battery. I agree, have your local auto parts store check your system, that's the easiest way to figure it out, I wouldn't skimp on a battery or an alternator. Forget the re-manufactured alternator, buy a new one. And get the battery with the longest warranty. If you're gonna keep your expy for a long time, it's worth the money.

 

[mikeyinokc]

Thanks for all the replies guys....

As it turns out it was just the battery. The alternator checks out fine. I had never had a vehicle where the gauges went crazy with a weak battery before......

Welcome to the age of computerized vehicles i guess....

Thanks again,

Mike