Lost Power... Need Help
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
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Lost Power... Need Help
So on my way home today I lost all power, the engine shut of and i coasted to side of the road. Went to try and start, nothing. When key is in the crank position the gauges were jumping all over the place, also accompanied by a lot of clicking from behind the dash. Nothing happened when tried to crank. No power to windows or even emergency flashers.
So i get it towed home, and of course it turns over. But this only lasts about ten seconds, then dies. I could do that a few times and then back to no power at all. Even at times with the keys out of ignition it will still click and make a lot of noise.
Hope there are some answers out there....
So i get it towed home, and of course it turns over. But this only lasts about ten seconds, then dies. I could do that a few times and then back to no power at all. Even at times with the keys out of ignition it will still click and make a lot of noise.
Hope there are some answers out there....
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Never experienced it with my diesel, but this sure sounds like bad alternator draining the batteries to death. I've had two different cars die on me while driving...alt was the problem. Let sit for a while and batteries get some life back...in most cases enough to start a car until the alt. kills the battery again. Could be your issue?
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Freshman User
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Hope its just that. Have never replaced the alternator, have 108,000 miles on it. Should i go with a stock alternator or something else recommended? I drive this truck for fun, not my primary vehicle, also I use a plow on my own driveway only.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
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That I can't answer...never replaced one on my truck, just Mustangs and an Exploder once. As you describe your use...I'd probably just go to Auto-Whatever you have nearby, if it is indeed confirmed to be the issue.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
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Many opinions in here...me, I've had good luck with standard DuraLast or whatever they are called from Advanced Auto. I have also broken the cardinal rule on my old 94.5 PSD Dually....I replaced only the bad battery (it was obvious in my case at the time) and I was fine for ~3 years. Its recommended to replace them in pairs.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
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From: Melbourne, Ky
If the batteries are old, that could be your problem. As for what battery to replace them with? I've had good luck with Motorcraft.
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Hotshot
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From: Melbourne, Ky
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Freshman User
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I have not replaced anything yet. used a voltage meter and batteries seem good. Tried to start the engine and nothing, not even a try. The dash is going crazy, clicking and blinking. I took keys and walked away, truck is still making noise for about 2 minutes. Have a feeling it is not involving alternator
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Elk Grove, CA
When the engine is cold, feel the alternator. If it's warmer than the rest of the engine, it's bad.
If you have time find a shop to repair yours. Lifetime warranty pretty much means a lifetime of returning them. Also some guys will get a 6.0 alt since it has greater output. Bolts on except you either need to "clock" the case to make clearance, or grind off a nub. There's a good thread here somewhere.
I like the Walmart batteries since it has an easy warranty and replacements are almost everywhere.
Have a voltmeter to take some readings?
If you have time find a shop to repair yours. Lifetime warranty pretty much means a lifetime of returning them. Also some guys will get a 6.0 alt since it has greater output. Bolts on except you either need to "clock" the case to make clearance, or grind off a nub. There's a good thread here somewhere.
I like the Walmart batteries since it has an easy warranty and replacements are almost everywhere.
Have a voltmeter to take some readings?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
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grant it, its not a diesel, but sounds exactly like my buick....gauges are on crack, crickets in the dash, damn truck opened by itself..HAHA.
testing volts at starter solenoid resulted in 4v. Replaced battery, good as new
testing volts at starter solenoid resulted in 4v. Replaced battery, good as new
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Freshman User
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I will try all those things, once this crazy storm passes in NJ. I do have a voltage meter. I took some readings with the truck off. Read 12.48 and 12.51. Not sure if I am doing it right. I cant even get the truck running to do others readings.