7.3 Charging/Starting problems
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Joined: Dec 2010
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7.3 Charging/Starting problems
Hi all, just about lost my hairr with this one. I have a 2001 7.3L, dual battery single alt set-up. I have replaced both batteries once, had them load tested a few times now, replaced the alternator (2X), and am having starting/charging problems.
I can run the truck for a good hour or so, and everything charges, appears fine. Turn it off, come back in 5 min and it won't start, gauge reads that the batteries are dead and have no power.
Took it into Ford, they said alternator until I told them I had replaced it twice already, and then they said they replaced the wire at the connection point of the alternator harness. Seemed to work for a little while.
What is confusing to me is that the vehicle appears to be charging (volts around 14, amps around 70) when running, but then why won't it start and how come I lose all juice??
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated
I can run the truck for a good hour or so, and everything charges, appears fine. Turn it off, come back in 5 min and it won't start, gauge reads that the batteries are dead and have no power.
Took it into Ford, they said alternator until I told them I had replaced it twice already, and then they said they replaced the wire at the connection point of the alternator harness. Seemed to work for a little while.
What is confusing to me is that the vehicle appears to be charging (volts around 14, amps around 70) when running, but then why won't it start and how come I lose all juice??
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Stick a meter on the battery(s) when it won't start or while cranking to see what the voltage is doing. If you turn the key on and nothing happens when you turn to start, hold it in the start position for 5 or 10 seconds then jump out and feel which cables are hot. That's where your connection or corroded cable is.
2001 was the last year they used the fender mounted starter soleniod relay. Check that to make sure it's not bad or corroded where the relay mounts to the fender.
2001 was the last year they used the fender mounted starter soleniod relay. Check that to make sure it's not bad or corroded where the relay mounts to the fender.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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hi...I have taken a wire brush and baking soda to the terminals....everything should be clean...as far as voltage when starting the meter reads 11.2 v, and if any cable is warm it would be the driver side negative cable...which to me reads the neg cable..... but the connection there appears good (doube checked), but this whole mystery appears weird to me and can't figure it out...could the starter relay be arced out from ratcheting to much on a dead start?
