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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Charging system failed.....Need help ASAP

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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 02:40 PM
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Charging system failed.....Need help ASAP

I just replaced the alternator this morning, after the system failed last night.....Still no dice.....

I've checked the 14g fuselink, its good, checked the connections...They all seem to be good....

Only thing I haven't gotten to yet, is the larger connector, the one with 2 Black w/ Orange striped wires, and a yellow/ striped.....The Black/orange wire on the end, literally slipped out of the pastic connector.....And after closer inspection, it shows signs of heat.....Brownish.....

So now...Have I found my issue? If not...Any ideas are GREATLY appreciated...

TIA...
 
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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 03:01 PM
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The Light Green w/Red stripe wire is the exciter voltage that turns the alternator on. It is hot when the key is Start or Run position. If it is missing voltage, check the Charge Indicator bulb in the instrument cluster. There is supposed to be a shunt resistor across it, but sometimes it is missing. An open bulb and no shunt resistor equals an open circuit.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 03:10 PM
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Ok RLA.....The Wire I said slipped out of the connector, I stripped the shielding back about 1/16th of an inch, and forced it into the connector, and plugged it back in.....

Started the truck, and where the previous alt. allowed the voltage hand swing up to the L on NORMAL, this one is keeping the hand on M, and steady...the truck has been running for approx. 15 minutes with the headlights on, and on bright....And the hand is still on the M of NORMAL....Its holding steady.....

Last night, it averaged 5-10 minutes per charge from jumpstarting.....Now, its holding steady....

So, in your opinion, do you think it was that faulty wire that slipped out of the connector? Because thats where I am starting to believe my issue was.....

Thanks for the help man....
 
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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 03:15 PM
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Your repair results pretty much back up your diagnosis. I just wanted to point out the exciter wire is a frequent cause of a no charge condition.

Is the connector you are referring to on the alternator? I assume you have the infamous 2G version? Signs of heat mean the connector is probably going bad. These things are fire hazards....I have a shiny new 3G now.

Good find on your part!
 
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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 03:19 PM
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Yep....Its the long, slender connector on the bottom of the alternator, once its installed....And I am ordering a new connector...It'll be here tomorrow....Write/troubleshooting type deal when I get in from work....


Also, a BIG thanks to Bill, aka SUBFORD....I used his wiring schematics...
 
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