What does Battery light Gauge ??
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
What does Battery light Gauge ??
I have a e99 F350 and I have an issue with the stupid battery light on dash. It seems to come on when it feels like it. For the longest time I couldn't get the light to come on when I would have the meter in my hand but when driving down the road it would come on. I just got back from a 3200 mile road trip and the light would come on and stay on for 100's of miles at a time. When I caught the light on (only once) with the meter it was 13.2v
So my question is does anyone know how or what makes the light come on? Low voltage, high voltage, heat? WHAT MAKES IT TICK ??
I have cleaned all contracts, battery, alt, relays. I don't have a problem or at least one that will act up when I am testing. Any ideas???
So my question is does anyone know how or what makes the light come on? Low voltage, high voltage, heat? WHAT MAKES IT TICK ??
I have cleaned all contracts, battery, alt, relays. I don't have a problem or at least one that will act up when I am testing. Any ideas???
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
It probably comes on for several different reasons.. one being a short in the wiring somewhere.. I had one of the small wires that comes off the top of the alternator rubbing on the alternator housing and caused the light to come on and off.. Also your alternator might be on its way out.. Check your voltage at an idle at the batteries. It should be around 14.3 volts if your alternator is working properly..
This is what I use to keep an eye on the electrical system.. I leave it plugged into the cigarette lighter all the time.. It will check your charging voltage, battery voltage ( key off) and check your glow plug system.. (meter will read about 11 volts on a cold start if system is working properly)(goes back to charging voltage after about 1 and 1/2 minutes..)
http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC008-...7019187&sr=8-3
This is what I use to keep an eye on the electrical system.. I leave it plugged into the cigarette lighter all the time.. It will check your charging voltage, battery voltage ( key off) and check your glow plug system.. (meter will read about 11 volts on a cold start if system is working properly)(goes back to charging voltage after about 1 and 1/2 minutes..)
http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC008-...7019187&sr=8-3
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
Well I ordered the gauge that plugs into the cig lighter. Besides the gauge on the dash never moves even when the light comes on. And if the alt is going I guess I should start shopping now. Any ideas of upgrades for alt that doesn't cost an arm and leg. I will be adding an inverter,TV ( I have a 2 1/2 yr old) and amps and a laptop hopefully this summer if I don't have something break on boat. Speaking of boats these trucks are like boats when it comes to upgrades or something breaking it is a B.O.A.T. "Break Out Another Thousand" But I love both of them.
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 4
From: Gary,Indiana
It probably comes on for several different reasons.. one being a short in the wiring somewhere.. I had one of the small wires that comes off the top of the alternator rubbing on the alternator housing and caused the light to come on and off.. Also your alternator might be on its way out.. Check your voltage at an idle at the batteries. It should be around 14.3 volts if your alternator is working properly..
This is what I use to keep an eye on the electrical system.. I leave it plugged into the cigarette lighter all the time.. It will check your charging voltage, battery voltage ( key off) and check your glow plug system.. (meter will read about 11 volts on a cold start if system is working properly)(goes back to charging voltage after about 1 and 1/2 minutes..)
Amazon.com: Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter 12 V Battery Tester: Everything Else
This is what I use to keep an eye on the electrical system.. I leave it plugged into the cigarette lighter all the time.. It will check your charging voltage, battery voltage ( key off) and check your glow plug system.. (meter will read about 11 volts on a cold start if system is working properly)(goes back to charging voltage after about 1 and 1/2 minutes..)
Amazon.com: Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter 12 V Battery Tester: Everything Else
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,174
Likes: 1
From: Millersburg, OR
It might be worth a shot to unhook the batteries and have them each tested independently. Sometimes just one will start going bad, or maybe a bad connection somewhere.
When my light came on my Alternator went out. Then it took two batteries with it...
When my light came on my Alternator went out. Then it took two batteries with it...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Another thing to check is the main wire bundle that goes over the top of the driver's side valve cover for rubbing..
You may want to drive into say AutoZone and have them check your alternator.. it may have a diode going bad.. Good luck..
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
But he is still getting 14.3 volts when the battery light is on.. there has to be more conditions that trigger the light, i would think..
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Gary,Indiana
Thanks Guys !! Well from what you guys are saying I think I'll keep digging start by double checking for shorts. That an I think it is a diode either in the alt or somewhere between the alt and that stupid light. But I have no proof to back that up just gut feeling. Thanks again for all the input.
But I have no proof to back that up just gut feeling. Thanks again for all the input.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
Did you end up doing the wiggle test on that plug on top of the alt? Its been known to become loose over time and can result in an intermittent connection which might trigger the battery light.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
I had the same exact problem with mine last summer drving back to TN, The connector that was on top of the alt was loose. I ty wraped the wire and it has been fine ever since. I can take a pic of it later on if that helps.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
This won't cure your alternator light issue, but it will definately help with the charge rate.
Install some heavy wiring between the alternator and the battery.
It will off load the charge load from the factory wiring harness.
Makes a huge difference with the truck keeping up with accessory loads.
Install some heavy wiring between the alternator and the battery.
It will off load the charge load from the factory wiring harness.
Makes a huge difference with the truck keeping up with accessory loads.