# Escort Electrical Issue?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** escort, ford\
**Created:** [December 4, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296 "2010-12-04T20:04:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![alwaysford55](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7feea3/32.png) [@alwaysford55](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alwaysford55)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296/1 "2010-12-04T20:04:42Z")

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The lights on my 1999 Ford Escort pulsate (along with the engine idle) when first started. It goes away after driving for a short distance. A new battery did not correct the problem. Any ideas on the cause and fix?

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296/2 "2010-12-04T23:14:18Z")

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Did you have the charging system tested when you installed the new battery?

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**Author:** ![alwaysford55](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7feea3/32.png) [@alwaysford55](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alwaysford55)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296/3 "2010-12-04T23:25:23Z")

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No. I was overdue for a new battery and was going to be away from home for an extended period of time. This seems like it is a recent problem with the weather turning colder. In a new area now and not sure where to take the car for a reliable diagnosis. I’m trying to get a rough opinion ahead of time and gauge how serious an issue it is, for my fear an alternator is going to be expensive.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/escort-electrical-issue/58296/4 "2010-12-04T23:59:08Z")

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Many auto parts stores will test the charging system free.

I recommend you have someone test the charging system. If you install a new battery in a car with a weak charging system you will soon have problems, and you will have wasted your money.

Have the charging system tested. If you need a new alternator (it happens) you need a new alternator. Rebuilt alternators from auto parts stores are not prohibitively expensive.