Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Charging system problem!!

Old Oct 24, 2011 | 07:17 PM
  #1  
Sooner73415's Avatar
Sooner73415
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Charging system problem!!

I have a 2003 f150 xlt flareside. I am having major charging system problems. Last night the charging system warning light came on. Today I replaced the alternator and had the battery checked. Both are good to go, but my battery is still draining and the light is still on. Fuses appear good. No idea what is going on, someone please help!!
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2011 | 07:53 PM
  #2  
Bluegrass 7's Avatar
Bluegrass 7
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
You need to make a test to see if the system is chargeing.
Place a voltmeter accross the battery and observe the voltage just after cranking and startup.
It should show 15 plus volts and taper back in just a few minutes as an indication the system is chargeing under regulator control.
There is a charge lead fuse on the firewall called a megafuse with 175 amp rateing.
There should be a second fuse in an inline holder near the alternator. It is a 20 amp.
Be sure the plugup at the alternator is set in tight and no blades are bent over.
A little about the charge lamp circuit.
It is powered through the ignition switch and a fuse.
If it lights it shows that circuit is complete and good.
It lights when it gets a ground from the alternator regulator.
When the alternator is outputting at a high enough level, the regulator take the ground away and the charge light goes out as an indication the alternator is outputting.
If it stays on, there is a system issue with the alternator.
Maybe you got a bad replacement.
Check it out first so you know what you have.
.
Replacing parts without final testing leaves you in confusion.
Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2011 | 08:00 PM
  #3  
Sooner73415's Avatar
Sooner73415
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I've already done all this. Mine is a 2003, it does not have the inline fuse, nor the mega fuses on the firewall. My problem still exists. I'm not getting any voltage from the orange/blue wire coming out of the alternator harness.
 
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2011 | 01:04 PM
  #4  
Bluegrass 7's Avatar
Bluegrass 7
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Well ok for not having the fuses.
If you see an issue, change the alternator again.
You don't have many choices.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
brian42
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
20
Dec 14, 2016 04:44 PM
1L243
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Aug 19, 2016 07:30 PM
Bubba Jones
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
5
Sep 17, 2012 12:25 PM
waterboy_fishing
Electrical Systems/Wiring
1
Dec 25, 2011 06:26 PM
norlandh
1997 - 2003 F150
3
Aug 27, 2010 05:56 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:51 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE