Battery Light
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From: Phx, AZ
Yeah they measure it by the number of calls each unit runs. And yes Phx fire also provides EMS services too. I am a Firefighter/Paramedic. However not all of us are medics. But everyone is at least an EMT, only a third of us are medics.
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From: Belton, MO
I thought I would complete this thread with the resolution to this issue. The problem steadily got worse with the battery light staying on more and more. I had the batteries tested and they were ok. Even the alternator tested ok at the time, at least according to the guy at Autozone. Eventually the battery light stayed on completely. Replaced the alternator which took care of it. $169 and a very easy, do it yourself swap out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by johnsdiesel
It could mean that the alternator wasn't charging properly. You can usually get your batteries tested for free, so get them checked first. Same for the alternator, you should be able to get it tested at someplace like NAPA for problems.
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From: Louisville, KY
daniel:
did they test the alt on the truck or did you have it bench tested? If you test an alt on the vehicle you get a lot of interference from the wiring harness and you can have a deceptive reading. Always have the alt bench tested when it is suspect. I do not like AutoZone but in their defense if it was tested on the truck there was nothing that they could do other than have you take it off.
did they test the alt on the truck or did you have it bench tested? If you test an alt on the vehicle you get a lot of interference from the wiring harness and you can have a deceptive reading. Always have the alt bench tested when it is suspect. I do not like AutoZone but in their defense if it was tested on the truck there was nothing that they could do other than have you take it off.
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Same problem
I have a 1990 250 diesel with the same problem. The battery light seems to flicker in accordance with bumps in the road. I had the alternator bench tested twice (different people) and checked all the ground wires....can't figure it out to save my life.
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Junior User
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From: Belton, MO
As you can see in the above, mine just gradually got worse over a 2-3 week period. I believe it managed to keep the battery charged just enough to keep me going. I avoided driving with headlights on for the last week which may have saved me. Mine was never bench tested. Good luck.
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I was gonna say..my truck showed to be discharging by the gauge & reading 13.9-14.3 on the volt meter directly on the batterys..well i took alternator off & cleaned it all out good & installed new brushes & bearings & now no charge light at all & charges about 16 volts..thought that was a lil high but guy at ford dealer that works on the diesels there said thats what they usually charge at with the 2 batterys & the high amp alternators..
Brian
Brian
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
I echo national's post. If you're having intermittant ALT light flashing it's a sign the brushes are wearing out and barely making contact. If that's all there is, just get the brushes replaced.
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Light on
Well, I experienced the same problem, intermitently few months ago. Then it dissapeared. In the meantime, cause I needed a battery for a different car, I put a new one on the Ford and the old one on the other car (a Jetta).
Yesterday (Aug 7, 2004) came on again. This time for good, more or less regardless of the RPM. The V gauge shows the same as before good charging (16-18V).
My questions are:
1. Is it possible that even though the gauge show good charging, to have a problem w/ the alternator?
2. If the small battery is no good, will the light come on?
Thanks
Yesterday (Aug 7, 2004) came on again. This time for good, more or less regardless of the RPM. The V gauge shows the same as before good charging (16-18V).
My questions are:
1. Is it possible that even though the gauge show good charging, to have a problem w/ the alternator?
2. If the small battery is no good, will the light come on?
Thanks
Last edited by constantony; Aug 7, 2004 at 09:36 AM.
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I dont know but I would put new brushes & bearings & clean ou tthe alternator..pretty inexpensive & will rule that out..no need to buy a rebuilt one..easy to rebuild..or take off & have it checked somewhere..Mine now charges about 16 volts but is normal in the gauges so i think its ok...
Brian
Brian
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Thank you for reply.Problem solved; took the alternator out and looked @ the brushes; one of them, together with one of the three collectors was damaged (electricaly burned). If would have been only for the brushes I would have done it, but the collector is not easy to repair when I don't have a shop to work in. Had to replace alternator.
Last edited by constantony; Aug 10, 2004 at 06:53 AM.
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Overcharching
Thanks for the reply. I'll have to appologise for stating is charging 16-18V. I did this automatically, reading a previous thread. I measured the voltage and it is indeed in the range you guys specified. There's nothing wrong w/ the regulator.
Now, in regards to the second battery. The guys @ Ford told me that it is a smaller, but more expensive battery, which I located, but I couldn't take a look at it, as it is protected by an enclosure. Judging by this enclosure, it doesn't seem to be smaller. Do you know what it is different about this, and if a regular battery can be used when this one goes?
Now, in regards to the second battery. The guys @ Ford told me that it is a smaller, but more expensive battery, which I located, but I couldn't take a look at it, as it is protected by an enclosure. Judging by this enclosure, it doesn't seem to be smaller. Do you know what it is different about this, and if a regular battery can be used when this one goes?