Low-down, electrical system charging blues

Dear Bob: I recently installed a brand-new battery in my 1995 Ford Taurus. Since that time I have had nothing but trouble with almost every electrical item in the car.

This is especially prevalent in stop-and-go driving, and more so when the summer’s heat is upon us. I have trouble getting the air conditioner to work properly, because after a while the blower becomes very weak. At night the headlights are but mere shadows of what they were or should be.

The problem seems to be that the battery runs down quickly in city traffic and leaves little in the way of power to run these accessories. Do you have any ideas as to what could be the problem? — H.H., from Texas via e-mail

A: From your description, it sounds as if the problem lies in the car’s charging system or with the new battery itself.

I had a similar problem one time in Mexico, and a simple tightening of the alternator drive belt cured it. The belt wasn’t tight enough to allow the alternator to operate properly and charge the battery. This is the first thing I would investigate.

Another possibility is that a short in the system could be sucking juice from the battery. Of course it’s also possible that the alternator itself could be going bad. A good electrical shop should be able to pinpoint any shorts or a faulty alternator.

When you replaced the battery, did you opt for one of those bargain-basement specials? If so, that may be the cause of your problem. For top performance one should always replace a battery with another one which has the same ratings as the OEM — that’s “original equipment manufacturer” — battery. The reserve capacities should be at least the same, and so should the cranking amperages.

Many low-priced batteries do not have the reserve to meet the rigors of stop-and-go driving with the air conditioner running and other accessories, such as the stereo, going full tilt.

Your owner’s manual, or a call to the dealer’s service department, should provide information on what the reserve and cranking amperages should be for top performance.

Dear Bob: My air conditioner was recently recharged, and a lubricant was added. I was told that the AC would recycle several times before operating normally.

During the first 600 miles of a trip, the AC cycled on only three times, for about 30 seconds each time. For the last 800 miles it cycled every 30 minutes for 30 seconds each time. Then at 1,481 miles it came on normally, and has continued to operate properly.

Is this normal, or is there something else wrong? — Sincerely, L.S., Blue Springs, Mo.

A: I assume that by “cycling” you mean the time when the compressor comes on, which is of course a function of how cold you have set the AC temperature control. It’s going to cycle more often if the temperature is set to a cold setting, less often at a warmer setting.

If so, it seems to me that everything is working as it should, and there’s nothing else wrong for you to worry about. You were told that it would take a while for your AC to operate normally, and that’s exactly what happened.

Enjoy the cool air!

AMERICAN DRIVERS FIGHT BACK

Here’s a tip that will help you get better gas mileage while fighting terrorism and cutting our nation’s dependence on Mideastern oil:

In an emergency, you can squeeze as much as 100 miles from a gallon of gas through an emergency-economy mode known as coasting.

Accelerate slowly to between 25 mph and 30 mph, then quickly turn the ignition to the accessory position, in which the engine is off but the radio and other accessories still work and the steering doesn’t lock. Shift the car into neutral, and let it slow to between 5 mph and 8 mph. At that point start the engine and repeat the process.

Do this over and over again, and you’ll be able to double or even triple your normal fuel economy. It’s simple, yes, but incredibly effective.

Not everyone advocates this method, but I feel it’s better to be safe and secure in your car, going between 5 mph and 30 mph, than to be stranded and out of gas. This method is impractical and possibly illegal for everyday use, of course, but it’s comforting to know that in an emergency you can coax many extra miles from your remaining gasoline.

If you have to use my emergency economy method only once in your lifetime, you’ll still be glad you knew it. Practice it on a deserted road to get the hang of it, so you’ll feel confident in using it if the need ever arises.

Note: Do not use this method if your steering wheel locks when the ignition is turned off, or if you are driving down steep grades. It also may be a good idea to consult local and state authorities before using it, because coasting, even in emergencies, may be illegal in your area.