possible alternator problem???
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Joined: Jan 2005
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possible alternator problem???
The batteries on my 03' F-350 7.3L Diesel recently ran out of juice and the vehicle would only start with a jump. So I took the batteries into the shop to get them tested and they turned out good! At the same time they were also recharged and I get a good 12.6 Volts out of them. Now I'm not having the starting problem anymore atleast for the past couple of days. Although I did wonder why my batteries drained, so I checked if anything was draining it by connecting an ammeter between the (-) battery post and cable. Nothing seemed to be drawing there. I read some on the alternator after this strange problem occurred. So I decided to test my alternator by checking for charge, at the battery, while the vehicle is running. From 12.6 Volts to approximately 13.2 Volts did not seem much of a charge as compared to what my cummins was doing (14.5 V). Although, I didn't know if this was an alternator problem or maybe a voltage regulator problem or if this was normal? This morning I checked a friend's truck out measuring the voltage as his vehicle idled and the voltage read higher around 14.4 V. With all this, does this seem to be an alternator going down? I don't even get the battery indication light in the vehicle about the charging system. I suspect that will only come on if there is no charge at all, right? Thanks for any input!
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Joined: Jul 2002
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I would say it's probably your alternator. I've went through two of them on my truck and the problems sound similar to yours. Both times I could notice my batteries slowly getting weaker with each crank, and a couple times the truck would totally stop charging and quit on me while running. The first replacement alternator lasted around 2 months, but the second is still doing well after about 6-7 months. I hope it turns out well for you. 
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I agree with Fourtrax. I had the exact same problem, but mine quit more suddenly than his. One day the battery light came on, so i tried to make it home, 15mi. Made it most of the way, but on the last traffic light, right after the light turned green it just died. My new alternator has been in for about 8 months and I haven't seen any problems yet.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,157
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From: Littleton, Colorado
I too have had the dreaded alternator problem. If your still under warranty watch out! They replace them with the same model, only they are remanufactured. I became such a thorn in the District Service Mgrs. side I got a brand new Bosch alternator and two new batteries. I figured I didn't buy a $40,000 truck to get remanufactured parts. Test each cell in your batteries with a hydrometer to make sure none of the cells are damaged or sulfated. Also I swap them around a couple times a year so they wear evenly. The pass side starting battery gets hammered by the load required to start these diesels. Demand quality from the dealership and beyond and you get it every now and then.
Austin
Austin
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