2000 f150 battery issues
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2000 f150 battery issues
Hey everybody, I bought a 2000 F150 a couple months ago and driving home my gauges quit working followed by the radio and then the ac. Then the engine just quit and when I tried to start it the battery was dead. I'm thinking the alternator is bad and wasn't charging the battery but before i start digging into it i wanted to get some opinions from others. I only paid $1500 bucks for the truck so I'm trying not to open a can of worms. any input would be appreciated thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
Well, it is obvious that the alternator was not charging the battery, but not so obvious that the alternator itself is defective as there are external things that can cause the same symptom.
How many times do we see posters who assumed the alternator was bad, replaced it and still have the same problem?
Charge the battery fully using an external charger then, either do the diagnostics to see what's bad or take your chances by guessing that the alternator is bad and going to the parts store.
Tip: ALWAYS test a replacement alternator (or starter) before you leave the store. If it fails that test, no point in taking it home. If it passes that test, your odds are better that it's okay.
How many times do we see posters who assumed the alternator was bad, replaced it and still have the same problem?
Charge the battery fully using an external charger then, either do the diagnostics to see what's bad or take your chances by guessing that the alternator is bad and going to the parts store.
Tip: ALWAYS test a replacement alternator (or starter) before you leave the store. If it fails that test, no point in taking it home. If it passes that test, your odds are better that it's okay.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
You can do pretty much the same routine as the "pros", some basic tests will get you started though first check battery voltage, and charge it using an external charger to 100%, trying to charge dead batteries with alternator really puts the hurt on 'em and doesn't really work. Maybe you know this already, some do not. If the battery is old (4 to 6 years) it might well be time for a new one unless you've really babied it. That's something you'll have to determine, since we can't see it. Keep in mind a defective battery, say a shorted cell, or sulfated up badly, doesn't do an alternator any favors. The reverse is true too, a defective alternator will ruin a good battery.
Test alternator output under load with headlights on, heater fan, radio. Spool up the RPM to 2000 or so and measure voltage directly at battery posts. 13.8 to 14.2 volts, somewhere in there, means the alternator is working reasonably good. 12.7 or 13.0 or something like that, not so good. Clean up grounds and replace battery and ground cables, tighten securely as required, this makes a big difference.
Test alternator output under load with headlights on, heater fan, radio. Spool up the RPM to 2000 or so and measure voltage directly at battery posts. 13.8 to 14.2 volts, somewhere in there, means the alternator is working reasonably good. 12.7 or 13.0 or something like that, not so good. Clean up grounds and replace battery and ground cables, tighten securely as required, this makes a big difference.
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So finally got around to removing the alternator and took it in to have it tested. The guy at the parts store said it passed the test three times. What else could be the problem? I'm gonna have it tested one more time at a different shop just to make sure it is still good.
Post Fiend
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
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The battery is new so I didnt even think to test it. I'll get that checked out as well and let you know.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
OK, new battery, didn't see that mentioned earlier. It's not a bad idea to charge them. The last one I bought took 6 hours to come up to 100%. If they sit on the shelf they will self-discharge.
Can test the alternator installed in the truck too.
Can test the alternator installed in the truck too.
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I did get the battery tested and it was good, also took the alternator to a different shop and it failed so I'll be going out to get a new alternator today and get it in this weekend. Thanks for all the help guys.
FTE Community Team
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I'm also curious if the replacement alternator fixes it. Can you come back and let us know after you've driven it around a week or two?
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So the first shop was o'Reilly auto parts since they are close but the guy there suggested I take it and have it double checked so I took it to Auto Parts Warehouse and that is where it failed. I picked up another alternator at the junkyard yesterday and hopefully I'll have time to get it in today. I'll let you know how it goes.
FTE Community Team
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So the first shop was o'Reilly auto parts since they are close but the guy there suggested I take it and have it double checked so I took it to Auto Parts Warehouse and that is where it failed. I picked up another alternator at the junkyard yesterday and hopefully I'll have time to get it in today. I'll let you know how it goes.
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