Is it the alternator?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 201
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From: Schaumburg, IL
Is it the alternator?
My buddy's truck ('98, 4.6) just barely limped into work yesterday. He said the battery light would come on when idling, but would go out when he revved the engine. He got it into the parking lot and the battery was dead. The needle (ammeter?) stays on the low side, but does show charging. It's not flatlining, but very low. Every time I've had an alternator go out the battery light came on and stayed on with no charging. Belt and battery were just changed last summer. I charged the battery for a couple hours and it seems ok, truck started, but battery light still comes on unless you're revving it. Idle speed normal. We're gonna replace the alternator tonite unless someone has a better idea. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 230
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From: Manitoba, Canada
Sounds like the alternator.
The truck will run untill it sucks all the juice out of the battery.
When the truck is running you should have about 14.7 Volts across the battery terminals checking it with a meter. That's if the alternator is charging.
The truck will run untill it sucks all the juice out of the battery.
When the truck is running you should have about 14.7 Volts across the battery terminals checking it with a meter. That's if the alternator is charging.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 201
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From: Schaumburg, IL
I was looking up a replacement alternator on the Autozone web site, and it listed the voltage regulator as a part they also recommended changing. I thought the v.r. was inside/part of the alternator. Is it a separate item?
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28
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From: Grayslake, IL
I'm pretty sure the voltage regulator is inside the alternator. I've noticed that Autozone lists some parts that aren't necessarily the easiest to replace for the average DIY home mechanic. I'd bet that part is listed for the people that have the knowledge and technical know-how to rebuild an alternator.
