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Battery Light Issue

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Old Dec 17, 2017 | 09:12 PM
  #1  
rmckenna's Avatar
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Battery Light Issue

Have a 04 F-350 that the battery light comes on every now and then while driving. I have replaced the battery and alternator and the truck seems to be charging fine. I have noticed that the dash lights are not as bright as they use to be and when I'm plowing with the truck the lights dim when I use the plow. I think it may be a ground issue but do not know where to check for this any advise. I have the 5.4 liter motor.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 12:28 AM
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Check for loose, corroded or missing ground cables and connections to block and frame. They have to be almost perfect, even invisible corrosion will cause a huge voltage drop and hork current transfer.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Tedster9
Check for loose, corroded or missing ground cables and connections to block and frame. They have to be almost perfect, even invisible corrosion will cause a huge voltage drop and hork current transfer.
X2, start with a good wire brushing on inside of the battery clamps.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 03:18 AM
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Even though they’re new, test both the battery and alternator to see what’s actually being generated.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 06:42 AM
  #5  
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cable is NEW... old rusty bolts and nuts.. old rusty body parts..

WHAT about grounds... REAL Important...

power out and it MUST return .. no return.. NO WORK..its simple..

like breathing.. air in .. air out.. or your dead... same with electricity..

what about the connectors for alternator...

I so dislike warning lights..
I have a real Volt meter in my truck (not a cheap factory meter)
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 08:42 AM
  #6  
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From: Bozeman MT
Also check the plug in connector on the alternator as a loose connection would lead to the battery light coming on.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 02:27 PM
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I've seen the body grounds cause a similar issues that can be really frustrating.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2017 | 07:51 PM
  #8  
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This is one of those "funner" ones -- went thru the same same dance with my 2003 -- ended up ripping out the entire dash, disconnecting all harnesses then using a combination of electronics cleaner, alcohol, etc to clean connections and grounds to eliminate voltage drops (which become commonplace as vehicles age).
 
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