Lately I've been noticing that my volt gauge hovers around the N or 0, instead of the RM/mid of the gauge.

Earlier today I was driving maybe 20 MPH and the truck cut out/stumbled and the WTS light came on, then the light shut off immediately. Truck didn't die and it only did it once. Didn't really even have enough time to look down and see what was going on.

Curious as to if my alternator gauge situation could perhaps be related?

CPS is one year old, NOS IH Black.

 

Mine would do that. It was a bad cps

 

Agreed, replace the CPS. The WTS light coming on is just from the truck resetting but it's a symptom, not the actual issue.

 

Appreciate the help guys! Suggestions on CPS color? I guess if IH Black has this happen then a new Ford gray may be in order huh?

 

If the WTS light comes on and you DIDN'T turn the key, it's most likely NOT the CPS. CPS intermittent failure does not reset the PCM. This is much more likely an interruption in power to the PCM. Ignition switch, loose fitting of PCM power fuse or relay, loose PCM connection, etc.

Automatic or manual transmission?

 

Manual.

Curious as to if ignition cylinder could impact anything? It has been having trouble going into ACC for a while. I lubricated it with graphite and still won't go into acc. I will go ahead and install a gray CPS while I am at it.

 

If the cylinder isn't turning properly, it could affect the ignition switch, yes.

With a manual transmission, the engine won't completely die when this happens. The momentum of the truck will keep the engine turning, and when the PCM power is returned, the engine will start firing again on its own - basically a rolling pull-start.

 

Alright appreciate the info, and taking the time to help me. I'm gonna order a new ignition cylinder. I must say when this happened earlier today I must have been sporting quite a WTF face since it was so fast and out of the ordinary haha.

 

Oh BTW, you should also check the charging system. AFTER the glow plugs have cycled off, the volt gauge on the dash should at least be a little right of center (R or M). If it drops left-of-center when the truck stumbles and you get the WTF... er... WTS light , that's to be expected. PCM resets, the glow plug runs a cycle, and the voltage will be lower for a minute or so. But when the GPs have cycled off, you should be getting 14V or more at the batteries.

 

Yeah I was thinking exactly along those lines which is why I thought it was related to the alternator.

What are the options for upgraded alternators/cables these days? I know the ambulance package harnesses are obsolete.

 

That's not necessarily true. I have had the CPS go out on both of my 7.3's and both had the WTS light come on briefly during that time.