Truck just died but weird problem
#1
Truck just died but weird problem
First of it's a 2003 with the 4.6. I replaced a bad alternator a couple months ago and all was fine. On the way home today the radio volume went quiet and all the dash gauges were dead. Truck died and wouldn't even try to start, no starter clicking or anything. A couple times the gauges did the "sweep" but still no start, not even a starter click. Barely even operated the hazard lights. Towed it home and hooked up the jumper cables to my 7.3 Excursion. Truck started right up and I left if hooked up for a couple minutes hoping to get enough charge in the battery to get it in the garage. Unhooked the jumper cables, got in the truck and noticed the voltage gauge was reading nothing, tried to move it and it died. Hooked the jumper cables back up and let the Excursion charge it for about 5 minutes. Started, drove it to the garage (100ft) and backed it in. Noticed the voltage gauge was where it should be. Turned it off and back to run (didn't start) and the voltage gauge was reading good and it started right up.
Now, it doesn't appear that the battery or alternator is bad. Is there something else I should be looking at? I can take the alternator off and have it checked but don't want to go through the work if not needed to chase a ghost. Advance auto Tough One alternator BTW.
Now, it doesn't appear that the battery or alternator is bad. Is there something else I should be looking at? I can take the alternator off and have it checked but don't want to go through the work if not needed to chase a ghost. Advance auto Tough One alternator BTW.
#2
Your battery has not been charged enough.
Use a voltmeter at the battery and look for at least 15 volts after starting.
It would indicate if the alternator is working.
If less than 13 volts the alternator has a fault.
Charge the battery then have a capacity test done to check it's health.
Inspect all cables and connection for cleanness and tightness.
Go over the whole system for winter.
The dash voltmeter is nearly useless.
Good luck.
Use a voltmeter at the battery and look for at least 15 volts after starting.
It would indicate if the alternator is working.
If less than 13 volts the alternator has a fault.
Charge the battery then have a capacity test done to check it's health.
Inspect all cables and connection for cleanness and tightness.
Go over the whole system for winter.
The dash voltmeter is nearly useless.
Good luck.
#4
#6
Luna, you don't have to remove the alternator to test it? Just get a hot battery in the truck and start it. Use a voltmeter across the battery with engine running. If the voltmeter measures about 13.5 to 14.5 Volts, the alternator is working good.
Check the battery terminals closely and clean them or replace them.
Hope this helps.
Check the battery terminals closely and clean them or replace them.
Hope this helps.
#7
Luna, you don't have to remove the alternator to test it? Just get a hot battery in the truck and start it. Use a voltmeter across the battery with engine running. If the voltmeter measures about 13.5 to 14.5 Volts, the alternator is working good.
Check the battery terminals closely and clean them or replace them.
Hope this helps.
Check the battery terminals closely and clean them or replace them.
Hope this helps.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
livinzez
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
08-26-2018 10:10 PM
pomial
1997-2006 Expedition & Navigator
4
10-20-2013 12:00 PM