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Voltage drops as speed increases

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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 02:30 AM
  #1  
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Voltage drops as speed increases

On vacation with out my computer & googling has not helped

my Sirius box started dropping out & I noticed the voltage numbers on the cigarette lighter plug adapter were flashing and low 10-11 volts

the charge gauge would raise when letting off the throttle

slowing to 1600-1800 rpm would maximize the charge indicator, so we cruised the last 150 miles at 50-60 mph

pulling a 16ft double axle car hauler

measuring each battery with a meter 12.2-12.4

replaced a 3month old battery under warranty a week ago

it’s 1am here and I am exhausted, should have the iPad charged enough to run Ford Scan in the morning and check codes

’01 7.3 Excursion
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 05:36 AM
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You measured the batteries with your meter with the truck idling, or with the engine off?

Also, hopefully a moderator can move your thread since I @$$ume the 7.3l in your Excursion is a PSD and not a transplanted IDI.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 08:02 AM
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sounds like your Alternator is on the way out. It's likely the internal brushes are worn and only at lower RPM they are still somewhat effective.

you should be seeing 13-14 volts discharge on the alternator depending on PCM command. what does the multi-meter read with motor running at the batteries?

since you recently replaced batteries, it's almost guaranteed the ALT was part of the issue. dead/dying batteries place more stress on the alt and lead to early failure.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 12:29 PM
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I second Tylus' assessment including likely failure mode. Sounds like the alternator is ailing.

I will note that an '01 is too old to have a PCM-controlled alternator. It's just a good old "dumb" unit with self-contained regulator.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 01:21 PM
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Was it 2002+ models with the “smarter” charging system? Can’t remember anymore when the changeover occurred. Or even if was a thing on the Excursion.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 03:17 PM
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Looks like Super Duty trucks got the "smarter" charging system starting with the 2008 MY. Excursion was already gone by then.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 03:57 PM
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get a MechMan alternator,
it is internally regulated and will hold 14.8 volts at idle, even with both AC fans running on high.
or, with brakes on and a trailer behind you, don't matter, it has the beef to keep those batteries charged.



 
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Old Sep 6, 2024 | 08:52 PM
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Sounds like brushes to me....
 
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Old Sep 7, 2024 | 01:58 AM
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Originally Posted by John in OkieLand
get a MechMan alternator,
it is internally regulated and will hold 14.8 volts at idle, even with both AC fans running on high.
or, with brakes on and a trailer behind you, don't matter, it has the beef to keep those batteries charged.


That’s the one I’m budgeting for. After all the research I’ve done and with the kind addition of John’s input, I don’t think there’s any reason to consider another. It fits right in with no modifications. 👍
 
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