Where do I start?
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Where do I start?
1989 F-150, 4.9L, 5 Speed.
Yesterday my dash battery light came on. The dash volt meter read 11 volts with only the headlights on.
The truck starts and runs fine, but it is starting slower everytime (i.e. battery is getting weaker).
Has my alternator quit working? Do I have a bad electical connection somewhere?
The weather has been pretty cold, highs in the 20s. I don't know if that is a factor.
Thanks in advance!
Yesterday my dash battery light came on. The dash volt meter read 11 volts with only the headlights on.
The truck starts and runs fine, but it is starting slower everytime (i.e. battery is getting weaker).
Has my alternator quit working? Do I have a bad electical connection somewhere?
The weather has been pretty cold, highs in the 20s. I don't know if that is a factor.
Thanks in advance!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Re: Where do I start?
Originally posted by xg325
The truck starts and runs fine, but it is starting slower everytime (i.e. battery is getting weaker).
The truck starts and runs fine, but it is starting slower everytime (i.e. battery is getting weaker).
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: N Ga. Mountains
Is your battery near the end of its service life? batteries are rated for 48 mos, 60mos,etc. Cold weather is hard on them and if they are getting weak it will show up when it turns cold.-Jack
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Update: Thanks for all your advice.
I checked connections and they all look clean and tight. I started the engine and it ran fine (16 degrees F outside). The interior volt meter read 11 volts again and the battery light was on. I then ran jumper cables to another car and the interior volt meter jumped to 12 or 13 V, but the battery light stayed on.
I took out the battery to have it tested. I'm not sure the age of the battery.
I checked connections and they all look clean and tight. I started the engine and it ran fine (16 degrees F outside). The interior volt meter read 11 volts again and the battery light was on. I then ran jumper cables to another car and the interior volt meter jumped to 12 or 13 V, but the battery light stayed on.
I took out the battery to have it tested. I'm not sure the age of the battery.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Portsmouth, NH
It sounds to me like the alternator. Doesnt the battery light come on when current is flowing out of the battery, meaning a lower voltage at the alternator? Putting a jump on the battery would simulate a good battery, if the light was still on, that would rule out your battery. Im curious to hear how it turns out.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 30
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It is sounding more and more like the problem is the alternator. I took the battery to a local auto parts store and it tested good.
I'll try the alternator next.
I'll try the alternator next.
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