Alternator?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,471
Likes: 727
From: Calgary Canada
Alternator?
Can anyone tell me how to diagnose what I think is a failing alternator?
Here are the symptoms:
- Hard starting in cold weather
- Battery not at full voltage when truck is parked (usually around 11.5-12 volts. I have been putting a charger on it some nights)
- Lights seem to dim when I've got accessories running, like heater fan, heated seats etc. Lights get brighter with engine RPM, like when pulling away from an intersection.
What's my next step to diagnose this? I did a search, and didn't see anything. My battery is probably still under warranty, so if that's the issue, it should be a free fix.
How hard is it to install an alternator in a 2005 with 5.4L engine? I'm moderatley handy, but haven't done this before.
Here are the symptoms:
- Hard starting in cold weather
- Battery not at full voltage when truck is parked (usually around 11.5-12 volts. I have been putting a charger on it some nights)
- Lights seem to dim when I've got accessories running, like heater fan, heated seats etc. Lights get brighter with engine RPM, like when pulling away from an intersection.
What's my next step to diagnose this? I did a search, and didn't see anything. My battery is probably still under warranty, so if that's the issue, it should be a free fix.
How hard is it to install an alternator in a 2005 with 5.4L engine? I'm moderatley handy, but haven't done this before.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: West Allis, WI
Can anyone tell me how to diagnose what I think is a failing alternator?
Here are the symptoms:
- Hard starting in cold weather
- Battery not at full voltage when truck is parked (usually around 11.5-12 volts. I have been putting a charger on it some nights)
- Lights seem to dim when I've got accessories running, like heater fan, heated seats etc. Lights get brighter with engine RPM, like when pulling away from an intersection.
Here are the symptoms:
- Hard starting in cold weather
- Battery not at full voltage when truck is parked (usually around 11.5-12 volts. I have been putting a charger on it some nights)
- Lights seem to dim when I've got accessories running, like heater fan, heated seats etc. Lights get brighter with engine RPM, like when pulling away from an intersection.
Sounds like the same symptoms my truck had before the alternator went and the battery ended up being dead. I'd say replace that battery ASAP. A failing battery can overwork an alternator and end up being the cause of one failing.
If the alternator ends up being bad its a very simple replacement. Remove the intake hose thing and then its 3 bolts if I remember correctly.
New User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Sounds like the same symptoms my truck had before the alternator went and the battery ended up being dead. I'd say replace that battery ASAP. A failing battery can overwork an alternator and end up being the cause of one failing.
If the alternator ends up being bad its a very simple replacement. Remove the intake hose thing and then its 3 bolts if I remember correctly.
If the alternator ends up being bad its a very simple replacement. Remove the intake hose thing and then its 3 bolts if I remember correctly.
Also check your battery terminals for corrosion and security first(just clean them up and tighten them down), but it sounds like a bad battery. Go to an auto parts store like autozone(or something similar) and have your battery tested. It's free. Replace the battery if its bad, if not move to the alternator. Get it done soon it is only getting colder outside and soon you will find yourself stuck and having to buy a battery instead of being not stuck and having to buy a battery,
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