1999 Mercury Cougar Hot Battery Terminal

1999 MERCURY COUGAR
128,500 MILES • 2.5L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CHRISTINE100
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Car was running fine, Quit as I traveled out long driveway, Restarted fine , drove around the block. Turned off key would not restart.All Gauge hands did a sweep.Checked battery Red Terminal and cable were hot. Car started after a boost . Cleaned battery posts replaced terminals . Car starts fine . But after a very short drive terminal and cable are still Hot .What could the problem be??
Oct 29, 2014 at 8:10 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I need you to both have the battery load tested and the alternator tested for output. NOTE: Most parts stores will do both for free.

Do that and let me know the results.
Oct 29, 2014 at 8:41 AM
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CHRISTINE100
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Had battery and Alternator load tested.
Battery before car was started 12.42 Volts, Started was at 14.50 volts , loaded 13.00 volts, After car sit while warm , restarted was at 9.86 volts. Alternator was at 13.00 volts.
Oct 29, 2014 at 6:59 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It sounds like the alternator may not keep up with the demand when warm.
Oct 30, 2014 at 5:33 AM
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CHRISTINE100
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Alternator is over Five years old and still under warranty. I will look into getting that replaced asap and see how that works out. After its replaced I will leave a reply as to how its working out. Thank you.
Oct 30, 2014 at 6:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I'll look for your reply.

Joe
Oct 30, 2014 at 8:41 AM
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CHRISTINE100
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Replaced Alternator on Friday,and It did not help. The Battery terminal is still getting very hot. Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Nov 11, 2014 at 6:55 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the battery terminal still getting hot?
Nov 11, 2014 at 7:44 PM
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CHRISTINE100
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Yes , The Battery Terminal is still getting very hot.
Nov 12, 2014 at 2:13 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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There has to be a short somewhere in the system drawing a heavy load from the battery,. Can you check for an electrical draw?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-dead-overnight
Nov 13, 2014 at 5:25 AM