extended idling now overcharge

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Jan 23, 2014 | 03:07 PM

blue924.9

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extended idling now overcharge

well boys my truck got locked this morning, would not have been much big of a deal except it was running

but to save a long story and keep me from blowing a valve again i will say that the thing idled for about 2 hours before the spare key was found and it was unlocked. now the thing overcharges, it is not in the red yet but it is very close to it and it is off the words normal where as before with all the lights and stuff on and drawing as much current as i could it would go down the road at the a in normal, now even stopped in gear it is out of normal, did excessive idling cause this? when it was idling the heat was on full blast.

and by the way, anyone know how to get a spare key made for these things and if a dealer has to do it or not, thanks guys

Jan 23, 2014 | 04:16 PM

Eddiec1564

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From: Arcadia, Fla

Verify the charging voltage with a good meter, the dash gauge is not accurate. Charging voltage should be 13.8 to 14.2V

I doubt the extended idle would cause a over-charging problem, most times the alternator at idle would not produce enough current(most with high output alternators)

If there is a over charge occuring, the voltage regulator is bad.

As for a spare key, I went to Wal-mart and they made a few keys up for me. Bring in a good ignition or door key for them to cut one like it. Just make sure you get someone who knows how to use the key machine!

Jan 23, 2014 | 05:05 PM

White 97 xlt

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From: Cleveland, TN

Just about any hardware store or parts store can cut a key... Just use the best one you have and try it before you leave the store, so if for some reason it doesn't work you can go right back for the to try again...

Jan 23, 2014 | 05:55 PM

Daniel5.0

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From: Carthage, MO

You can get a key at the Ford dealer for not much money--$3-4 each. There, they will look right and not say Walmart or whatever.

Jan 23, 2014 | 06:21 PM

rla2005

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From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel5.0

You can get a key at the Ford dealer for not much money--$3-4 each. There, they will look right and not say Walmart or whatever.

It costs me at least $50 each time I walk into my Ford dealer parts department.

I pi**ed off the owner several years ago. They keep a bouncer at the side door at all times now.

Jan 23, 2014 | 07:53 PM

blkF250HD

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From: Hartland, WI

Had a few made at the dealer, $5 each. Black head with the Ford logo on them, exact match. As mentioned, check voltage at the battery with the engine running. First idle, then 2500. Alternators don't really put out any power until 2500+, below that is just enough to keep things running.

Jan 24, 2014 | 06:56 AM

blue924.9

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well i didnt get a chance to check when the volt meter was high because it returned to normal after i had shut if off for awhile, but while it was normal it said 14.9 volts idle and 15.5 volts at around 2500 (no tach, just a guess)