Flickering Battery Light
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Flickering Battery Light
I have a 01 F-250 w/5.4 the last few weeks my battery light on my dash has been flickering or staying on for 5-10 seconds but as soon as i step on the throttle (increase rpm's ) it goes off. The Amp gauge never changes I did put a new alternator and belt in about 11 months ago. Any Ideas??
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 4
From: Lakehills, TX
In my own personal experience on my '07 it was the alternator. I replaced it, and the replacement started having the same issues just a couple months down the line. I replaced it again (under warranty this time) and this time it held.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Virgina Beach, VA
Replaced the alternator on a friends Moutaineer. Had the same problem you did. The plug for the alternator wasnt seated all the way. Check connections for security as stated above. If any connections appear corroded, clean and treat them.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Your alternator produces alternating current, or AC. You need direct current or DC for your vehicle. That is why in every alternator there is a set of diodes. These diodes convert AC to DC. If one of the diodes happens to fail, you will still get DC current from the alternator, but it will have a ripple that varies with engine speed. This will often cause a battery light to flicker at low engine speeds and have a dim glow at higher engine speeds.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,815
Likes: 148
From: Billings, Montana
I agree, it's your alternator going out. If you take it in and get a new one have them bench test the new one before you leave the store. The reason I suggest this is because there's been a number of times I've gotten a bad one right out of the box. Also if you don't buy one directly from Ford (which are over priced) get one from NAPA auto or that type of place, the ones sold at discount auto part places like Auto Zone tend to be of lower quality. You could take your old one in and have it bench tested also, however as it hasn't completely failed yet it might still show that its good on their bench test.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg Pa
I am on my third advance altenator for my truck.
battery light flickers and the voltage starts to drop on the scan gauge
battery light flickers and the voltage starts to drop on the scan gauge
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Virgina Beach, VA
Doesnt the battery light mean there is something goin on with the charging system? It could be a battery alternator or wiring. As an aircraft electrician i have witnessed more people throw parts at a problem instead of troubleshooting it down. Hince the suggestion to check wiring.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
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
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina
Your alternator produces alternating current, or AC. You need direct current or DC for your vehicle. That is why in every alternator there is a set of diodes. These diodes convert AC to DC. If one of the diodes happens to fail, you will still get DC current from the alternator, but it will have a ripple that varies with engine speed. This will often cause a battery light to flicker at low engine speeds and have a dim glow at higher engine speeds.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Don't get me started.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
92 Red F150
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Sep 16, 2014 09:12 PM