Battery indicator comes on
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
Battery indicator comes on
Hi gang. over from the 48-56 group. My daily driver is a 2008 f-150 4.6. My battery indicator is coming on every now and then. I have checked the output of the battery and alternator and at the times i have checked, it is all good. The light does not stay on for long. there are about 120000 miles on it. Any ideas are appreciated.
Thanks for the assist
Jim G
Thanks for the assist
Jim G
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
Steve(ill)
Thanks for your response. the bat was put in Oct 2018. Would it be beneficial to pull the Alt and take it to a shop and have it bench tested? I use a good shop here for batteries, starters, etc. i appreciate your help
Thanks for your response. the bat was put in Oct 2018. Would it be beneficial to pull the Alt and take it to a shop and have it bench tested? I use a good shop here for batteries, starters, etc. i appreciate your help
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
If you have a momentary problem, the shop will probably not see it... They will say it is OK because it worked for 10 seconds during their test... the dash light comes on when the battery voltage is ABOVE the alternator output... That means the alternator "QUIT" for several seconds, then started running OK... Your OK for now, but might be worth looking into a new alternator in the near future... Be prepared, one of these days the light will come on and not go back off... At least have a plan on where you can get an alternator QUICK and who is going to install......... If you want to do PREVENTATIVE maint, then put a good alternator in next month and be good for another 150K miles..
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 506
I dunno that it's an issue with the '04-08 stuff but on '11+ SuperDutys with the 6.2 there is literally a rash of parts store remans not satisfying whatever the truck wants to see to NOT trigger the batt light. I suspect crappy internal regulators but it's only a personal theory. The other more plausible theory of course is COVID-19 infecting alts - pretty sure I saw it on CNN
Point being I'd at least look at what a Motorcraft might set ya back vs a corporate parts store house brand reman. And wear a mask while changing it.
Point being I'd at least look at what a Motorcraft might set ya back vs a corporate parts store house brand reman. And wear a mask while changing it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 33
From: San Antonio, Texas
^^^^^^^ What he said.
Alternators in these trucks have some 'smarts' built into them and they 'communicate' with the PCM, run a diagnostic test every so often. Bench Test seems to be useless on them. Replace ONLY with OEM alternator. BTW. I just happened to get DAMN lucky for once. My '04 has 253,000 miles and alternator is original equipment and continues to work fine. I can't believe bearings can even possibly go that long. (Wonder how many revs it has clocked?)
Alternators in these trucks have some 'smarts' built into them and they 'communicate' with the PCM, run a diagnostic test every so often. Bench Test seems to be useless on them. Replace ONLY with OEM alternator. BTW. I just happened to get DAMN lucky for once. My '04 has 253,000 miles and alternator is original equipment and continues to work fine. I can't believe bearings can even possibly go that long. (Wonder how many revs it has clocked?)
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 506
Yeah, we bought the fiancee's '08 SCREW with 89k mi two years ago and it already had a reman on it (as indicated by the big sticker on top). No idea what necessitated that sometime prior to 89k.
That said, it blows my theory of remans being no good 'cause it's working.
But I also agree bench tests are meaningless - the alts can be putting out plenty of voltage but it doesn't mean they can shake hands with the PCM and the bench tests don't look for this.
That said, it blows my theory of remans being no good 'cause it's working.
But I also agree bench tests are meaningless - the alts can be putting out plenty of voltage but it doesn't mean they can shake hands with the PCM and the bench tests don't look for this.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
Steve ( ill ) and all the others that responded. Thanks for all the assist. I "you tubed" the how to remove video and I will be getting to that in the next few days. I will advise when i am complete.
WWR I like your humor
thanks again
Jim G
WWR I like your humor
thanks again
Jim G
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 37
From: Eastern shore,Salisbur,MD
Hi gang. Just changed the alternator. Bought one from NAPA Supposedly lifetime warren-tee. Not sure what that means, It is a relatively easier one to do. Thanks for the assist. I will advise if the "Battery light" ever comes on again.
Stay safe every one.
JimG
Stay safe every one.
JimG
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