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1993 F150 inline six.
My red amp warning light came on this morning. Battery turns the motor over strong and it starts right up. Runs normally no noticeable problems, but the light remains on.
Is this just battery getting weak or something more problematic? Don't want to get stranded on the highway.
With a multimeter measure the battery voltage when the engine is off and compare it with the voltage measured with the engine running. The engine running voltage should be higher at around 13,5v, if it is the same or lower than the engine off reading the alternator isn't charging and should be replaced.
Could be overcharging also. The voltage regulator is the part on the alternator that usually fails first. Just went through this in my truck. Took 3 different reman alternators to find one that actually worked too. Definitely test it at the store if you can.
With a multimeter measure the battery voltage when the engine is off and compare it with the voltage measured with the engine running. The engine running voltage should be higher at around 13,5v, if it is the same or lower than the engine off reading the alternator isn't charging and should be replaced.
Will do, thanks for quick reply.
I can hardly see the red light in the daytime. First noticed it this morning before daylight. I am wondering if it has been on for a while but not noticed.
With a multimeter measure the battery voltage when the engine is off and compare it with the voltage measured with the engine running. The engine running voltage should be higher at around 13,5v, if it is the same or lower than the engine off reading the alternator isn't charging and should be replaced.
Update.
Checked all the connections to the alternator and found a loose wire. Reconnected it and the light went out.