Alternator/Batteries?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Paw Paw
Alternator/Batteries?
Alright guys. I started the truck up mod last week and noticed it was a little rough. Got going down the road and noticed a slight dim in the headlights and this happened a few times. I didn't notice the voltage gauge on the dash was dancing around pretty bad. Between 13.5-14, maybe. Then I started it last night and took it for a spin. When my foot is on the gas sucking power, the headlights dimmed down again, it's a short dim, 1 or 2 seconds, and then normal again. When I got home I turned all the lights in the cab on and the headlights dimmed. When I flipped the brights on the in cab lights dimmed and the voltage gauge dropped a little. I did that two or three times and it happened everytime.
I'm think alternator sometimes and then other times I'm not. I'm not sure what it is. I'm dumbfounded. I don't want to be driving and the truck drives. So what do you guys think it is?
I'm think alternator sometimes and then other times I'm not. I'm not sure what it is. I'm dumbfounded. I don't want to be driving and the truck drives. So what do you guys think it is?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
If you have a voltmeter you should put the red lead on the positive post of one of your batteries and the black lead on the negative post of the same battery. You should read 13-13.5 V. Anything less and you need an alternator. That being said, the indicators you gave sounds like the alternator is going to me.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
the alternator is easy to change couple bolts & some wires to remove,the belt tensioner as well,need 1/2 breaker bar below the ac compressor you will find a 1/2 square hole to unload belt tension then pull belt off one of the pulleys to relax tensioner,check all your connections first,batt.,alt,grounds.you can get alternator tested for free at most parts houses.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
I doubt very much your belt is slipping. You'd hear it if it was. It would be squealing at start, or anytime you put your foot in the accelerator. With the tensioners our pickups have it's doubtful your belt is slipping. However, if you can count more than 7 cracks per inch on your belt you'll need a new one soon. Go ahead and R&R the alternator. If the belt needs replaced do it too.
Trending Topics
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,481
Likes: 5,542
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
check that the plug is fully into the alternator, and the pins are not burned or corroded.
if the plug pops up a bit, the alternator will stop charging.
if the plug pops up a bit, the alternator will stop charging.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Paw Paw
Thanks guys. Now is it safe to drive on a bad alternator?
The last thing I want to have to do is replace that and 2 batteries cause I killed em. Plus I don't want to be that truck that's "Found on road dead".....
The last thing I want to have to do is replace that and 2 batteries cause I killed em. Plus I don't want to be that truck that's "Found on road dead".....
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,321
Likes: 584
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
While you're out, stop at a parts store and pick up a terminal cleaning brush for a few bucks, if you don't already have one. I usually clean my terminals when winter approaches every year.