Possible Alternator Issue
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Possible Alternator Issue
hey folks,
I recently purchased a 2003 F250 Diesel 6.0 Super Duty.. I drove it for 2 days without any issues at all and suddenly yesterday morning when I went to start the truck, I got nothing but a repeated clicking sound.
When I boosted it, it started up, but the truck shut down 30 seconds after removing the cables.
I charged the truck batteries all last night and it started up no problem today.. I have had it running for almost 2 hours straight now with no problem.
I used a small multi meter and the batteries read 12.3V each, and the alternator is also reading the same numbers.
What could be the issue here? Is my alternator bad?
I recently purchased a 2003 F250 Diesel 6.0 Super Duty.. I drove it for 2 days without any issues at all and suddenly yesterday morning when I went to start the truck, I got nothing but a repeated clicking sound.
When I boosted it, it started up, but the truck shut down 30 seconds after removing the cables.
I charged the truck batteries all last night and it started up no problem today.. I have had it running for almost 2 hours straight now with no problem.
I used a small multi meter and the batteries read 12.3V each, and the alternator is also reading the same numbers.
What could be the issue here? Is my alternator bad?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
way to test you alternator. Turn on the truck check alternator, it should read between 13.5 and 14.3 volts when idling, have someone rev the engine to 2000 rpm.
true on all the lights, radio, heater fan to full, there should be now significant drop in your reading and it should be at or above 13.5 volts at the battery. If not time to replace the alternator.
Also get your self a Chilton or Haines repair manual.
true on all the lights, radio, heater fan to full, there should be now significant drop in your reading and it should be at or above 13.5 volts at the battery. If not time to replace the alternator.
Also get your self a Chilton or Haines repair manual.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
go to an auto parts store.. they can put a meter on the battery and test the battery's and the charging system..... most do this for FREE.
Yes, 13.5 TO 14.5 volts with the engine running..
most likely a bad alternator..
a battery by itself.(fully charged). engine OFF is 12.6 volts...
Yes, 13.5 TO 14.5 volts with the engine running..
most likely a bad alternator..
a battery by itself.(fully charged). engine OFF is 12.6 volts...
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
So if I drive the truck is the battery going to eventually die? Its been about 2.5 hours that the trucks been running without being hooked up to a charge and there is no hesitation or anything.. as I said I shut it down and started it again no issue.
What I guess I am getting at is.. should/can I drive the truck without it dying?
What I guess I am getting at is.. should/can I drive the truck without it dying?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
If the voltage stays at about 12V when the truck is running, then yes, eventually the battery will be drained and the truck will stop running. If the voltage goes to above 13V when running [possibly you have to get the motor running faster than idle], then the alternator is working OK.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The engine has been turned off for the last 5 hours and I just fired it up, batteries gave a reading of 11.3 now after it had been running for 15 minutes.
The truck goes in for a safety on Tuesday so Ill have it taken care of then.
The truck goes in for a safety on Tuesday so Ill have it taken care of then.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Anything under 12 volts and the batteries are discharged almost fully..charge em as said or you wont make it down the street.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
Since you have a 6.0l I would be very careful with low voltage. They have some expensive and tempremental electronics. Make sure you batteries, alternator and FICM are all up to par.
Check out the 6.0l section linked below.
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Check out the 6.0l section linked below.
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Do the test with the multimeter, no need to drive the truck it takes a few seconds to figure it out.
Driving/starting the truck with low voltage will Screw up your FICM it will cost you in the hundreds to get it fixed.
Do the test or pay up your choice.
Driving/starting the truck with low voltage will Screw up your FICM it will cost you in the hundreds to get it fixed.
Do the test or pay up your choice.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sprint406
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
37
Feb 21, 2012 06:25 PM
shoogdoog
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 21, 2003 11:11 AM