charging problems
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
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From: Las Vegas
charging problems
I have a 99 F-350 powerstroke, 4x4 dually. Last October I had the battery light come on my dash. The truck would run and start fine for about 2 weeks. After a bit of running the light would go off. During a camping trip the truck barely started one morning and acted up real bad. Ended up being an alternator. Changed it, ran fine until this morning when the light came back on. Truck still runs fine, took it to Autozone they tested it, charging system putting out negative .2 amps, changed the alternator under warranty, light is still on.
I really need help as we are going on another long camping trip next weekend and don't want to go through last years episode.
Any help would be appreciated.
I really need help as we are going on another long camping trip next weekend and don't want to go through last years episode.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
Likes: 45
From: Las Vegas
Just thought of something, I had a braked controller put on before this last trip, could that possibly be the source of the problem. We towed about 600 miles after the controller was put on and it didn't show up until about the last 20 miles.
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From: Virginia
Get a voltmeter and check the voltage at the battery with the truck off. Then check it again with the truck running. The voltage should be higher with the truck running. If it's not, you are not charging the battery, and we can believe what the light is telling us.
If it's not charging, I would check the underhood fuse box. I think you have one since you have a later model. Check all the fuses. I think there is a large maxi fuse for the alternator as well as a smaller 25 amp for the regulator circuit.
It's very easy to blow one of these fuses if the alternator was changed without taking the battery cable off first.
If it's not charging, I would check the underhood fuse box. I think you have one since you have a later model. Check all the fuses. I think there is a large maxi fuse for the alternator as well as a smaller 25 amp for the regulator circuit.
It's very easy to blow one of these fuses if the alternator was changed without taking the battery cable off first.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
Likes: 45
From: Las Vegas
OK I took the truck to a friend of mine, he checked the voltage at the alternator and said it wasn't putting out enough volts, about 11.5 I think. Took the alternator back off, took it in to Autozone, they tested it with their machine and it passed. Put it back on and the light is still on. We couldn't find the big relay or fuse in the schematic in the owners manual for the alternator or regulator. Any more ideas or a point in the right direction as to which fuses or relays would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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From: Virginia
I would go ahead, and pull all the fuses in the underhood fuse box and see if they are all good. I would also follow the large alt output wires from the alt all the way to the post on the starter relay, and see if you have any fusible links in that wire that could be burnt out.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 94
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From: Las Vegas
I will try that. Thanks for the help. I did some more talking to some people in the know and they said that it could be one or two of the solenoids on top of the intake. It looks as if there is a battery type cable going to them. I have know idea what these are, but does this sound like it could be the culprit? We have something that is not allowing the alternator to put out any juice, changed it again today still same thing happening. I'm getting real nervous as we leave to go on another long trip this Thursday. Again thanks for all the advice, I know with everyones help we'll find the culprit.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Just to check it electrically, take the large output wire off the alternator, and then get an ohmmeter and hook one lead to the output wire you took off, and hook the other lead to the battery +, to see if you get continuity. If you don't get continuity, you definitely have a blown fuse, fusible link, or a wire that is burnt in two.
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I'm having same trouble?
what was the outcome of this problem? or can someone help me too?? PLEASE!
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From: Easton,Ks
If you have the 200 AMP Alternator you have the Mega Fuse (200 A) along with a 15 A (Fuse B) Fuse in the Engine Compartment Fuse Box and then on to two parallel 12 GA. Fuse Links.
If you do not have the 200 AMP Alternator then you have two parallel 12 GA. Fuse Links and no Fuse. Both are in the line from the Alternator B+ Terminal to the Battery + Terminal by way of the Starter Relay.
If you do not have the 200 AMP Alternator then you have two parallel 12 GA. Fuse Links and no Fuse. Both are in the line from the Alternator B+ Terminal to the Battery + Terminal by way of the Starter Relay.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Las Vegas
Sorry about not getting back sooner. I ended up taking the truck to the dealer and $200.00 later the culprit ended up being just a burnt or broken wire in the loom across the valve cover. I hated to take it to the dealer but I'm just not patient enough to deal with electrical problems and we had to get out of town. Made it and had a great time. Thanks for everyones help and suggestions.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
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coud you be more spasific on the burnt or broken wire? I'm still having this same trouble with my 2001 f350 7.3ltr diesel. Maybe you know what color the wire is and were I could start to look,this would make me exstreamly happy if you could Help!!!!! Thanks a Bunch Rusty