Notices

alternator troubles

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 9, 2003 | 06:04 PM
  #1  
79_ford_400_guy's Avatar
79_ford_400_guy
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Salem USA
alternator troubles

hi i recently put a rebuilt alternator in my truck and it run fine and charged the battery fine and errything........and all a sudden it quit working so i took the alternator back and they gave me a new one...and gave me that regulator thing up by the battery on the fender and yeah i replaced both of them and hooked the alternator up right and everything...still no charge...what else can a guy try...thanks kevin
 
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2003 | 09:38 PM
  #2  
Crumm's Avatar
Crumm
More Turbo
20 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 16
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Did you check all the wiring? You may have a broken wire inside a connector somewhere. Check it all over very closely. It is possible that the new alternator is bad also. Sometimes those rebuilds are not rebuilt with the best of care.
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 02:08 PM
  #3  
rmcgraw351's Avatar
rmcgraw351
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, Colorado
Does the charge light cycle on and off when you turn your ignition key on? if the light bulb is burned out on that light, then your charging system will not work!?! The same if you have a gauge (instead of a light) that fails, it will not send the "excite" signal to your alternator.
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 06:40 PM
  #4  
FordPickMeUp's Avatar
FordPickMeUp
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: hamden,CT
Do yourself a favor buy a brand new one.thats what i did.
 
Reply
Old Dec 15, 2003 | 07:38 PM
  #5  
Mike W's Avatar
Mike W
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
Likes: 1
From: Central Kali
The system will still work if the charge lamp is burned out. There is a resistor across the lamp that will carry current to the alternator field. The ammeter has a shunt.

Check the voltage at the field terminal. If you see around 11, the alternator is bad. If there is no voltage, jumper +12 to the S terminal on the regulator. This will cause it to provide voltage to the field terminal and the alt should start working.

It sounds like a wiring problem. Do you have a light or an ammeter?
 
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2003 | 01:19 PM
  #6  
ranchero77's Avatar
ranchero77
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: in a house
if the altenator is good and before you try a new altenator check the short adapter connector at the voltage regulator on both ends. these old wires break inside the connector at the terminals. which will sometimes show the alentator to be charging but nothing going to the battery.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LipschitzWrath
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
22
Aug 14, 2017 05:22 AM
Marty1965
1997 - 2003 F150
8
Apr 21, 2015 01:31 AM
Tim98TA
Electrical Systems/Wiring
3
Sep 11, 2013 06:29 AM
Nyxlee
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jan 26, 2011 09:07 AM
zmurphy
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
Aug 12, 2007 11:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE