When I first accelerate, I lose battery power.

Asked by sivad125 Dec 30, 2014 at 07:40 PM about the 2003 Ford Taurus SES

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Whenever I accelerate from a stop, I lose power. My headlights dim, air doesn't blow as hard, etc., and after a mile or so of steady driving, everything comes back on to full power. It is just after I press on the gas from a stop, everything dims immediately and I don't know why. I just barley purchased a new battery and a new alternator.

1 Answer

101,595

To be clear, you just bought a new battery and alternator, correct? I don't know what "just barely purchased" means, except maybe you went to the store to buy those items and found yourself $1 short and had to leave emtpyhanded... :) But seriously, go through all your connections and make sure they're tight and not corroded. During acceleration the ignition system will draw more power from the same charging system (i.e. battery and alternator) as the lights and other electrical components, and if it isn't working properly you will get what you have, dimming. Take it to a shop or auto parts store and get the alternator and battery tested again while in the vehicle. All the big parts stores do this test for free.

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