1994 Ford Thunderbird Battery dies when i turn on heat

1994 FORD THUNDERBIRD
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ADROSSELL
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Heater problem
1994 Ford Thunderbird Automatic 133000 miles

Hey guys, I recently had my MAF sensor replaced by a mechanic friend and then the next day after i put it in drive the check engine light came on, so i figured i needed to reset the computer, I had a friend take disconnect the battery and let it sit for 15 mins he then connected it again, i turned it on and the check engine light was off, but now when i turn on my heater the car slowly starts to die then the battery light comes on i check to see if it was on secure and seems to be. Any ideas on what is going on? Thank you sooo much!
Mar 29, 2010 at 6:34 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi ADRossell,

Thank you for the donation.

Get the charging rate tested. Symptoms seems to indicate a failing alternator.

Recheck the battery terminals for contaminations and contact.
Mar 29, 2010 at 7:05 PM
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ADROSSELL
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It seems weird that all the sudden after replacing MAF sensor and resetting computer that the alternator would be going back. Before we replaced the MAF sensor everything seemed fine with the battery.. Its just odd that as soon as we disconnected the battery for 15 mins everything goes hay wire..we tried the disconnecting the battery as the car was running and it stayed running but as soon as we turned on heater it started dying and battery light went on. Sorry its just so confusing lol.
Mar 29, 2010 at 7:12 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Never disconnect and connect the battery terminals with the engine running. Those are methods applicable for vehicles of yester years. Vehicles nowadays have many electronic components and current surge during connecting or disconnecting the battery can and has known to fry those components.

It could be coincidence that the problem occurred after disconnecting the battery. The alternator could be failing and it happened to failed at the moment.

If the battery was reconnected with the ignition switch turned ON, current surge could have damaged the alternator.

I still have this to say, get the charging tested with a DVOM, at least.
Mar 30, 2010 at 9:27 AM
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ADROSSELL
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Where could i go to get it tested? Just any mechanic shop or a auto parts shop?
Mar 30, 2010 at 6:58 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Either of those mentioned should be able to assist you.
Mar 31, 2010 at 6:36 AM