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Mechanical concerns with electricity

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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

2013Ford Ka
I had to change the battery and the car had been sitting for a while.
I have not yet checked for problem codes, but I do have a few lights that seem like glow plugs, an air bag light, a dim red seatbelt light, and an amber light. The vehicle is a gasoline. Any advice would be appreciated. I was unable to reset the negotiative terminal after turning it off for an hour.
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Loonie4cars
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:49 pm

Electrical wiring that is damp or has a filthy connection to the battery. Remember that this is a FIAT, not a FORD, and use an on-board diagnostics (OBDII) scanner to look for trouble codes.
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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

Thank you for the guidance. If I understand correctly, in order to scan it with my Nexas Nex Link, I will need to scan the obd as if it were a Fiat, not a Ford.
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Loonie4cars
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:49 pm

Will it not automatically identify the protocol?
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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

Unfortunately, no; you'll need to configure the obd protocol and choose the manufacturer.
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Noble4u
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:48 pm

Since the current model is effectively a rebadged Fiat 500, the answer is yes...
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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

Scan completed this morning without any issues and all sensors passed. There are still faint red seatbelt lights, a dim yellow heated screen light, and an air bag light on the right. None of the obvious wiring under the chairs has been harmed. Have you considered checking the loom for dampness? Everything seems dry.
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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

For your information, after the car was started a second time, all of the dashboard lights turned on. Following a period of driving, everyone has self-cleared, and the aforementioned have all returned. Scan completed after a new battery was installed due to low voltage. Whether this model has a unique method of reset. Not really convinced because it's based on fiat, but I usually own Fords.
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Loonie4cars
Posts: 37
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:49 pm

Assessment of the battery and alternator.
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rawadmika
Posts: 34
Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:38 pm

12.9% when there is no load and 13.9% while the engine is running and LEDs are on. I haven't had any problems with the start/stop function or the battery change either. Just got lucky to get 12v no load and 12.9v operating before the replacement.
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