charging issues
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6
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charging issues
I have a charging issue with a '99 F-250 Diesel. The truck went completly dead and would not start. The battery's were charged and tested as in good condition. The alternator was also tested while running and tested @ 12.5 volts. I need to know if I have a bad batterry or a bad alternator. If I am not mistaken the alternator should be running @14.5 volts charging up the battery's. I am not sure if I have a short causing this or the alternator is bad. If there was a short then I would not have a voltage reading at the alternator, right? Where should I start?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 135
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From: North Idaho
You're probably just reading battery voltage at the alternator if it's only 12.5. You are right to expect about 14.5 while it is running. If you did have a "short", or have used jumper cables without due caution, you may have blown the diodes out of the alternator.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Pendleton
I just had a similar situation, but the truck started and ran fine. My batteries were still fully charged but alternator was dead(same reading as yours). This was funny because I drove over 200 miles with the check light on, at night, in the rain. I replaced the alternator and it set me back $170.00.
