Alternator not charging!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 212
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From: Sugar Land, Tx
Alternator not charging!
1995 f-150 5.0. Not charging. Had the alternator tested and its good. One thing I did recently was switch the gauge cluster with my 97 to put the tachometer in the 97.
I read that the gauge cluster swap didn't affect anything but when searching for alternator issues some say that does matter. It's not a huge deal to switch them back. Just wondering what you guys think!
I read that the gauge cluster swap didn't affect anything but when searching for alternator issues some say that does matter. It's not a huge deal to switch them back. Just wondering what you guys think!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
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From: Rhode Island
There were a lot of changes with the clusters through the years, especially in regards to the alternator charge light wiring (which must work for the alternator to charge the battery). However, the components inside the clusters are modular.
You can take the tachometer and temp/fuel/oil gauge modules out of the '97 cluster and put them into your '95, and it will all work. That will be your best option, and it only takes a few minutes to swap the things around.
You can take the tachometer and temp/fuel/oil gauge modules out of the '97 cluster and put them into your '95, and it will all work. That will be your best option, and it only takes a few minutes to swap the things around.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 4
From: Washington
Your cluster swap is the problem. I believe that compatible years are 92-93, 94-95, & 96-97. Mixing 92 and 94 or 97 and 95, etc won't work without rewireing the dash harness. I tried to rewire the printed circuit and just destroyed it.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Sugar Land, Tx
Ok so I switched the clusters back and same thing. No charging. Charged up battery and seem a little weak, only about 11.2-11.4 volts. Start the truck and check voltage at battery, charge cable, and starter solenoid and all are same voltage. Pull positive cable off and truck will die.
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Senior User
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From: Sugar Land, Tx
NO it does not light up!
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I know it sounds stupid but did you check the fuse?
Maybe you inadvertently grounded the pin while swapping parts?
Idk abt yours, but my bricknose cluster has a resistor across the charge lamp circuit, so the truck will continue to charge even if the bulb burns out.
You cant use an led for that indicator on some older trucks.
Maybe you inadvertently grounded the pin while swapping parts?
Idk abt yours, but my bricknose cluster has a resistor across the charge lamp circuit, so the truck will continue to charge even if the bulb burns out.
You cant use an led for that indicator on some older trucks.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,668
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From: Easton,Ks
He needs to check to see if he has power at the generator on the light green wire with a red stripe with the key on.
If so then check the yellow wire with a white stripe to see if the fuse link is OK.
If so then check the yellow wire with a white stripe to see if the fuse link is OK.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Ok so I switched the clusters back and same thing. No charging. Charged up battery and seem a little weak, only about 11.2-11.4 volts. Start the truck and check voltage at battery, charge cable, and starter solenoid and all are same voltage. Pull positive cable off and truck will die.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Sugar Land, Tx
Green with red does not have voltage with key on but not running!