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Flickering Battery Light

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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 08:09 AM
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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??
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 09:02 AM
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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.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 10:55 AM
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I had the same a few weeks ago, the negative battery terminal wasn't holding tight, replaced it and all is well. Maybe get the battery tested too
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 11:21 AM
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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.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 05:18 PM
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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.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 05:56 PM
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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.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 06:26 PM
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I am on my third advance altenator for my truck.
battery light flickers and the voltage starts to drop on the scan gauge
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 06:28 PM
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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.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by redford
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.
Back in old days you could buy a replacement diode bridge. Not sure with the modern alternators. It is easy to check for a blown diode with a meter, as it should pass current in one direction only. My DVM has a setting for diode checking.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2012 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by SC_Hoaty
Back in old days you could buy a replacement diode bridge. Not sure with the modern alternators. It is easy to check for a blown diode with a meter, as it should pass current in one direction only. My DVM has a setting for diode checking.
You can still get a replacement bridge for most alternators, but these days most people do not repair things. Don't get me started.
 
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