Alternator Help Needed
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: central ny
Alternator Help Needed
I have an '03 F350 6.0L with 23,000 miles on it. I have a landscape business and use the truck for snowplowing. Today the truck died on me while going from account to account. The alternator is original factory equipment. Service manager states that because of short trips between accounts & a few accessories running - snowplow lights & heater, etc. that alternator cannot handle this.
It does'nt do this every time I am snowplowing though. Just three times this year.
How can this be??
Here's the problem - service manager states that to add bigger alternator it will cost around $340.00 and is NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! By the way the service manager does not agree with FORD's policy. I can't believe that this truck did not come equiped with an alternator that can handle a snowplow - it has a snowplow prep package on it!!
I would like some feedback on this or maybe some thoughts on what I should do.
It does'nt do this every time I am snowplowing though. Just three times this year.
How can this be??
Here's the problem - service manager states that to add bigger alternator it will cost around $340.00 and is NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY! By the way the service manager does not agree with FORD's policy. I can't believe that this truck did not come equiped with an alternator that can handle a snowplow - it has a snowplow prep package on it!!
I would like some feedback on this or maybe some thoughts on what I should do.
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Have them replace the original they owe you that much, I use to plow with a stock altenator on two different trucks, and never had a problem. I'd run till there was nothing left of the battery and it would charge back up fine.
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The tow package (which is now standard anyway) doesn't come with the hitch, so it doesn't surprise me the snowplow package doesn't come with an uprated alternator! Ford really does leave it open to the customer and/or sales person to configure a truck however they want, but it sounds like more guidance would be nice.
The dual alternators have always been an option on the Powerstrokes, so I guess maybe this should serve as a warning to people that if they order the plow package they should look at adding the dual alternator option.
Since you can't retrofit dual alternators to a vehicle that didn't come with them, the uprated alternator is about your only option.
Duncan
The dual alternators have always been an option on the Powerstrokes, so I guess maybe this should serve as a warning to people that if they order the plow package they should look at adding the dual alternator option.
Since you can't retrofit dual alternators to a vehicle that didn't come with them, the uprated alternator is about your only option.
Duncan
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It sounds to me like you are real close, and the alternator has just worn itself out. It should be replaced under warranty.
I agree that a bigger alt. would be beneficial, but if you were pulling more amps than putting out, the battiries would have died after only a few nights plowing because they would have a hard time catching up.
Find the total amp draw of all the accessories you are running at the same time and compare to the size of the alternator. If you are pulling more amps than the alternator puts out, then you are running down the batteries.
I agree that a bigger alt. would be beneficial, but if you were pulling more amps than putting out, the battiries would have died after only a few nights plowing because they would have a hard time catching up.
Find the total amp draw of all the accessories you are running at the same time and compare to the size of the alternator. If you are pulling more amps than the alternator puts out, then you are running down the batteries.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: MI
you may want to consider adding the Auxiliary Powertrain Control Module (APCM) for when you truck is parked. it will maintain a higher engine rpm to charge the batteries. The 05's have this built in.
You could also look into a set of starting/deep cycle batteries(Optima Yellow Top). the more you discharge a normal starting battery the faster it goes bad.
You could also look into a set of starting/deep cycle batteries(Optima Yellow Top). the more you discharge a normal starting battery the faster it goes bad.
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From: central ny
I told him to replace original alternator with the same one under warranty. He told me nothing is wrong with it and he could'nt do it. He said truck is getting overloaded during short trips under low RPMs and shuts everthing down. You have to wait some time before it will start up again. The thing is it does'nt do this during the act of snowplowing. It happens when driving on city streets. Why is this my fault that Ford did'nt build trucks with more powerful alternators. I don't have alot of extra accessories running - only snowplow. Considering going to different dealer for second opinion.
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From: Eastern CT.
Are the lights bright ? Heater on and working ? plow working ok ?How come it dies when your not plowing ? Seems like it would die when your using the plow,,not just driving the truck ! The diesels have 2 battery's right ? My V-10 has only one battery and I plow with it,,,I do notice when the lights and heater is on, when I use the plow the heater fan slows, and the lights dim a bit, but as soon as I can,, I put the heater on low and seems much better. You may have a different problem,,maybe the 6.0 harness trouble,,??
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From: central ny
Everthing is working fine - I thought then same thing - truck would die when moving snowplow beacause you would using more power. It was during the day so lights were not on and it was warm & sunny so heater was at minimum.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Laporte , Indiana
I would call another Dealer . Ask to speak to the service manager . Explain your issue . See what he says . If he says bring it in we will take care of it I would call the other dealers GM and tell him he just lost a customer because of his service department . GM's dont like losing $40,000 cuctomers .
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From: central ny
OK I spoke to service manager Saturday morning and they found that the computer was not even throwing a code - not even a check engine light has come on now that I think about it. It is now going in to the Diesel mechanic - who I know personally on Monday morning. I would have thought he would of seen it first time around!!!!
Well one more chance to see what happens. Thanks for help.
Well one more chance to see what happens. Thanks for help.
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From: MI
Originally Posted by landstroker51
Everthing is working fine - I thought then same thing - truck would die when moving snowplow beacause you would using more power. It was during the day so lights were not on and it was warm & sunny so heater was at minimum.