First my A/C goes bad, now my car battery is smoking!?

N

N2Audio

New member
I would find a digital multi-meter at your local radio shack or hardware store. (Harbor freight usually has something serviceable for around $5).
It seems to me you may have a malfunctioning voltage regulator allowing the alternator to charge to a much higher voltage than it should be.

There are hundreds of possibilities, but that's just one that jumps out at me. Easy to diagnose too. Set the DMM to VDC and probe the battery terminals with the car at idle. If it's much over 14.4v (like 16) you have a problem.
 
I would find a digital multi-meter at your local radio shack or hardware store. (Harbor freight usually has something serviceable for around $5).
It seems to me you may have a malfunctioning voltage regulator allowing the alternator to charge to a much higher voltage than it should be.

There are hundreds of possibilities, but that's just one that jumps out at me. Easy to diagnose too. Set the DMM to VDC and probe the battery terminals with the car at idle. If it's much over 14.4v (like 16) you have a problem.
 
My cars electronics have been acting up lately, here is a rundown-

-3 weeks ago my A/C quit working. However, the fans were still working. It was bearable.

-Just yesterday, the my entire ventilation gave out. The fans just quit working. It's summer, and my car interior is getting uncomfortably hot.

-today on the way home from work, I noticed (and smelled) a trail of white smoke coming from underneath my hood. Not good. Pulled over, popped the hood and I noticed that the source of the smoke was coming from my battery (red top optima). Smoke was coming out of one of the two small screened openings on the top of the battery.

I waited a couple minutes to let the smoke die down and fortunately I was able to start the car and make it home.

I really think I should buy a new battery.... anyone have any suggestions as to what else I should check out???

Thanks-
btw, it is a 1999 Ford Mustang, thanks again.
 
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