battery light on

[Andy138]

hi guys my battery light and esp light are on , i have had the alternator changed as it wasnt charging,but the lights are still on,any ideas why ????? 

[TomsFocus]

Has the new alternator been tested as charging?  Very low charge may have damaged the battery.

[Andy138]

iv been told by the mechanic that its charging 

[TomsFocus]

Charging by how much though?  The smart charge system might not be working, meaning it'll charge but only at about 13v which isn't enough.

If it's definitely charging fine then it'll probably need a new battery, especially if it was run low for a long period of time with the faulty alternator.

Are you able to test the battery voltage?  If not, and if you're near a Kwik Fit, take it there and ask them for a free battery health check.  That should show if the battery is good but needs charging, or if it's knackered and needs replacing.

[Andy138]

im not sure what a smart charge is to be honest .

[TomsFocus]

35 minutes ago, Andy138 said:

im not sure what a smart charge is to be honest .

The alternator on Fords (and most modern cars now) charges at a variable rate.  In the old days it was always 14.4v regardless, but with this system it can adjust the voltage depending on battery charge and temperature etc.  If this is faulty and only charging at a low level the battery won't be getting charged properly.

The free battery check will be quick and easy though so might as well have that done first, new battery is much easier to diagnose than SmartCharge faults.

[Andy138]

many thanks ill get it checked