Hi all, Im a newbie to this forum. Right ok, ive got a 03 plate fusion 1.4 tdci (higher spec model). The problem is the car wont hold its battery charge for more than 2 days at a time. I also own a van so the fusion isnt used everyday. I had a new battery fitted thinking that might be the problem but when it was left for 3 days, the new battery was flat.
There is no battery light illuminated on the dash and the car starts fine provided its started frequently. If i use jumpleads to start it when its flat, it will start fine the next day but leave it for 3 days and thats it. Highly annoying!

Could this be the alternator or is it something draining the battery like the dvd player, radio, etc etc. Anyone else had this problem with a fusion??

Will be gratefull for any help

Thanks in advance

[quote name='kns' date='31 July 2010 - 01:33 PM' timestamp='1280578987' post='90633']
Hi all, Im a newbie to this forum. Right ok, ive got a 03 plate fusion 1.4 tdci (higher spec model). The problem is the car wont hold its battery charge for more than 2 days at a time. I also own a van so the fusion isnt used everyday. I had a new battery fitted thinking that might be the problem but when it was left for 3 days, the new battery was flat.
There is no battery light illuminated on the dash and the car starts fine provided its started frequently. If i use jumpleads to start it when its flat, it will start fine the next day but leave it for 3 days and thats it. Highly annoying!

Could this be the alternator or is it something draining the battery like the dvd player, radio, etc etc. Anyone else had this problem with a fusion??

Will be gratefull for any help

Thanks in advance

[/quote]
This is a very confusing post, the title implies that its a charging problem then you write that its more of a battery draining issue as its only a problem if the vehicle isn't used for a few days.
Also, you state [u][i][b]no battery light illuminated on the dash[/b][/i][/u] is this at any time or just when the engine is running ?

To further assist, did this problem suddenly occur and have there been any modifications the the electrical system such as additional lights, alarm, satnav etc (You mention DVD Player, how is this connected) ?

3 battery draining problems I have experienced;

The boot light on one of my cars occasionally stayed on causing the battery to drain after a few days.

The factory fitted alarm on another of my cars drained the battery (Sierra Cosworth). Was always ok if left unlocked in the garage but locked would drain the battery after a week.

A friends Escort's battery continually drained, turned out to be a relay fitted by a previous owner was incorrectly wired and in effect was continually powered rather than being switched.

First place i would try would be the boot light!

Probably the Alternator isn't charging the battery to optimum charge, so when it's left, it goes into Slow Discharge. And that can kill a battery... I would test what voltage the battery is at with a battery meter when the car's running, should be roughly at 12V. If it's nearer 10V then the alternator is your problem. You won't notice anything when driving because 10V is enough to run the car fine, but when left it will go flat in days.

Does sound like you have a drain on the battery. The first thing to check before anything else is the Alternator output, using a multimeter on the battery terminals with the engine running, you should see 14.5 volts.

Does the battery light come on when the ignition is turned on, but without the engine running?

One thing you could try is to disconnect the battery negative terminal when the car is parked up for few days and see if it starts if it does then you definatly have a drain on the battery.

When you had the new battery do you know if a calcium battery was fitted? Most modern Fords use a calcium battery.