Alternator CEL question
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Alternator CEL question
I just did an instrument cluster swap on my 96 F250 with the 460. The donor instrument cluster is from a bronco I believe. Purpose was to have a factory tach. I noticed my voltage is down after the swap, checked with meter, sure only 12v at alternator when running. Bad luck I guess.
When I swapped the cluster and initially started the truck I had a CEL on, and my left turn indicator was stuck on whenever dash was illuminated or headlights were on. I swapped the left turn indicator bulb, problem solved.
the CEL is still on, so I pulled KOEO and KOER codes (obd1). Nothing of substance, one for fuel pump bc I accidentally started the truck before reconnecting the tank switch (542). So my question is simply, can a bad alternator trigger a CEL on these trucks?
Also, it seems my codes were communicated through the ABS light rather than the CEL, which I found very strange, but everything from the KOEO and KOER procedures happened as planned only it was the ABS light giving the signals rather than CEL. Is this normal on some trucks?
Any input appreciated!
When I swapped the cluster and initially started the truck I had a CEL on, and my left turn indicator was stuck on whenever dash was illuminated or headlights were on. I swapped the left turn indicator bulb, problem solved.
the CEL is still on, so I pulled KOEO and KOER codes (obd1). Nothing of substance, one for fuel pump bc I accidentally started the truck before reconnecting the tank switch (542). So my question is simply, can a bad alternator trigger a CEL on these trucks?
Also, it seems my codes were communicated through the ABS light rather than the CEL, which I found very strange, but everything from the KOEO and KOER procedures happened as planned only it was the ABS light giving the signals rather than CEL. Is this normal on some trucks?
Any input appreciated!
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Looks like the cluster was not a direct swap. You should have a alternator light come on when you turn the key to run, but the engine is not running. Then when the engine starts, the light goes out. This light may be a picture of a little battery. This key on signal that triggers the light also brings the alternator online. I bet if you put the old cluster back in, the alternator will start charging.
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You are correct, swapped back to old cluster, everything works normally and alternator is charging. Never knew an instrument cluster could control the function of the alternator. Guess that’s the risk you take when you buy used stuff on eBay. It was supposed to be interchangeable...
thanks for the help.
thanks for the help.
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rcdude
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Nov 9, 2012 12:00 PM
