I picked up a 1994 F-150 last summer that only had 85,000 miles on the odometer. The truck looked like it had been stored in a museum and is in excellent shape. 4X2, 4.9L six cylinder engine, and E4OD transmission. Being that I live in northern Michigan and it's winter, I only drive the truck once/week. Yesterday it started it up and ran into town to go shopping. I frequently check the gauges and everything was normal when I left home. On the the return trip I glanced at the dash and noted that the battery volt gauge was hugging the lower end of the "normal" bracket (but still inside the bracket) and that the charging system "idiot" light was on. I made it home with no problems. Any clue as to what's going on? Is my alternator starting to go south?

 

Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals you should read 14volts more or less if the alternator is charging. Check connections on back of alt also

 

Do you have a real volt gauge you can hook up? Or a battery tester? Have you drained the battery right down and had to boost it?

 

I believe '94 was the last year for the 2G alternator. If I'm correct on that, get it swapped out for a 8.25" 3G regardless of whether it's the source of your problem or not. Sounds like your truck is too nice to burn down.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll try the volt test tomorrow. I park the truck outside and right now it's snowing so hard I can't see across the street.

I've disconnected the battery until I figure this thing out.

And yes, the truck is a beauty. I want to keep as long as possible.