Altenator problems
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Altenator problems
Hi all '89 F250 460 XLT Lariat
My Battery light was coming on when ever I would first start the engine. The light would go out after driving for several miles and the charging gauge always showed it was charging properly.
after about a month the charging gage was showing that the battery was not charging. I removed the positive on thebattery and the engine shut off. I replaced the altenator and the first one was bad or maybe it is something else that caused it, but after I drove the truck about 25 miles the charging was up at almost 18 volts, even blew the battery caps off,(gee imagine that) good thing it is an Interstate so it is still working OK. Any ways I replaced the altenator again and so far it is running and charging OK but when I use the power windows/locks the charging gage will jump either down to 8 volts or up to 18 volts. So the question I have after all of this is, Do I have a deeper electrical problem then just an altenator?
My Battery light was coming on when ever I would first start the engine. The light would go out after driving for several miles and the charging gauge always showed it was charging properly.
after about a month the charging gage was showing that the battery was not charging. I removed the positive on thebattery and the engine shut off. I replaced the altenator and the first one was bad or maybe it is something else that caused it, but after I drove the truck about 25 miles the charging was up at almost 18 volts, even blew the battery caps off,(gee imagine that) good thing it is an Interstate so it is still working OK. Any ways I replaced the altenator again and so far it is running and charging OK but when I use the power windows/locks the charging gage will jump either down to 8 volts or up to 18 volts. So the question I have after all of this is, Do I have a deeper electrical problem then just an altenator?
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Altenator problems
I'd start by checking your voltage regulator. I don't mean to flame you but taking off your battery post when the truck is running is an extremely bad thing to do. (From what i read i think your alternator maybe damaged buy your pulling of the cable)
I'd start buy checking the Voltage regulator
Hope this helps.
Mat Plante
1987 F-150
SuperCab
302/AOD/3.55s
I'd start buy checking the Voltage regulator
Hope this helps.
Mat Plante
1987 F-150
SuperCab
302/AOD/3.55s
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Altenator problems
OK so I don't know much about vehicles (but I never claimed to) I like it better that way my wife doesn't make me fix the vehicles to much then. So my question is what is the PCM? that I possibly may have blown.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Altenator problems
Powertrain Control Module = Electronic Engine Control = Electronic Control Unit = Motronic Control Unit = Electronic Control Assembly
There are plenty of names & abbreviations for the computer.
Pull the codes.
There are plenty of names & abbreviations for the computer.
Pull the codes.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Altenator problems
Replace voltage regulator!
Ford trucks and vans have external volt regulators ( thank you ) that are located near the battery. Sguare thing the size of thin cigarrette pack with a buch of wires. I had to pull the batt to get to it. You don't have to replace the alternator like every other vehicle. Put a volt meter (not the one on the dash) on the batt with the engine running fast. If it reads more than 15 volts you need a regulator. Other symptoms other than the popped batt caps you described could include blown headligts and a ruined battery.
Good luck
Ford trucks and vans have external volt regulators ( thank you ) that are located near the battery. Sguare thing the size of thin cigarrette pack with a buch of wires. I had to pull the batt to get to it. You don't have to replace the alternator like every other vehicle. Put a volt meter (not the one on the dash) on the batt with the engine running fast. If it reads more than 15 volts you need a regulator. Other symptoms other than the popped batt caps you described could include blown headligts and a ruined battery.
Good luck
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
