battery not keeping a charge
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
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battery not keeping a charge
i just bought this 1982 f-100 yesterday. i went out to start it this morning and it wouldnt start. i noticed last night on the way home my lights where dimmed and my turn signals didnt work. i tryed replacing the battery that wasnt the problem.it runs fine when it is running. i think it might be the voltage regulator.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 1
From: Right Next to U
Alt isn't charging dued to low voltage from it. A bad alt or voltage regulator would cause this problem. Seems the thing first to do is tighten up the belt and see if it still is discharging with a moderate amount of revs from the engine. If it does, the cheaper route would be the voltage regulator, then its the alt if it still does discharging.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Change the voltage regulator, and then use a multi-meter to test the charge capacity by connecting to the battery terminals once the truck is running. It should read around 13.5-14.5v DC current as a max. With a fresh voltage regulator installed, if it is still weak on the charging end, replace the alternator. For the moment, also check, and clean ALL battery terminals and connections. The secondary ground wire is very important on these trucks. There should be a ground running to the frame from the battery, as well as a ground to the alternator casing. Clean both up, and make sure they make good contact. All tests should be made with a fully charged battery for accuracy, best to throw a trickle charger on it over night to make sure.
