Electrical problems

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Mar 19, 2013 | 07:52 PM

davbeisner

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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Electrical problems

Ok, I know I need new alternators. I've got both (I have the ambulance package in my truck) on my work bench, but haven't had time to put them in. I'm watching my FICM carefully and so far haven't dropped below 45V; mostly runs 47.5-48. It'll drop to 46.5 at crank and for the first couple minutes sometimes.

So, over the past couple months the truck has dropped to 8-9V for the first couple minutes after start, and then kicked up to 13.3-13.8V (I'm not hitting 14V which I'm told is because the alternators need to be replaced). As of yesterday, though, until the truck gets back up over 12V, none of the electronics work--windows, gauges, radio, etc. SGII still works but that's it. Any idea what's causing that?

I plan to replace the batteries when I replace the alternators, too... I've got a trailer painting and re-decking project I'm part way done with and should have done by the end of the week. Once that's done I'll hopefully be able to get to the alternators.

Truck is an '03 F-350, 02/03 build date.

Mar 19, 2013 | 08:14 PM

BLADE35

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From: Saratoga Springs,UT

Dave the problem is when you do see the FICM start droping volts it will be TOO LATE

Its killing all the electronics

dont drive it unless its 911

Mar 19, 2013 | 08:22 PM

davbeisner

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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Gotcha... makes sense. I'll have to drive it tomorrow to get my freshly painted trailer into the shop before it rains (it's a gooseneck trailer and I don't have a gooseneck hitch in my other truck yet) but otherwise I'll park it till I can get the alternators done. Actually, since I'm in a crunch right now on time I may just take the alternators in to my shop with the truck tomorrow and have them do it for me. I already have to have them do a steering box for me...

Mar 19, 2013 | 09:38 PM

Yahiko

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From: Spanaway

Put the battery charger on it NOW so it will be as charged as it can get.

Sean

Mar 22, 2013 | 01:27 PM

davbeisner

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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL

How long should a dual alternator replacement take? From the ford service book it looks easy, but the shop guy is telling me four hours...

Mar 22, 2013 | 05:54 PM

cheezit

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From: N. Fort Worth, tx

well sounds good to me labor wise. it will take hime less then 2 to do it though

Mar 22, 2013 | 06:20 PM

davbeisner

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From: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Cool, that's kinda what I was thinking... he said that in order to get at the lower one he had to remove the fan and drain the coolant... Looking at it myself, I don't get that. Is he right? The Ford Shop manual says nothing about all that... Just removing the fan shroud, removing the belts, and done.