04 F350 165k...driving home last night and the lights start to dim and wipers are slow...make it home and put the volt meter on and NO CHARGING (11.6 at the batteries).

Put the battery tender on overnight, start it up this morning and throw the volt meter on and 11.6. I also checked the alternator output wire (at the alternator) and get no reading.

So, pretty sure the alternator is bad...BUT...I' m not getting a "check battery light" in the dash.

Any other thoughts besides a bad alternator?

THANKS

 

This happens sometimes (battery light) my 2003 did the same thing around Xmas. It was a dead alternator with no warning.

 

not having a battery light dosent mean anything. its really more of a dummy light. if you have no volts at the alt then it is time for a new one. better get it fixed fast low voltage will cause FICM failure and that is not a cheap part to buy.

 

Just as an FYI, low battery voltage can damage the FICM which can turn an alternator or battery issue into a much more costly repair. I would recommend that you get the problem diagnosed and fixed quickly before it becomes a major issue.

 

While the alternator is out I would have both batteries individually load tested to make sure they are also up to snuff. If one is bad replace both. The other won't be far behind and can drag a new battery down.

 

Update:

Alternator went bad...replaced it and all is good to go (batteries were replaced 6 months ago).

Thanks for the replies and advice...gotta love FTE!!