My buddys 02 stroker wouldnt start. I jumped it with my truck, and got er runnin. With the key off the batterys are both readin 11.2 volts. While running, they are reading 11.6.

Does this lead to a bad alternator or alternators (not sure if this year had 2 or just one) or could it be one of the batteries or both of em?

 

There may only be one bad battery that is dragging them both down. Most people recommend replacing both batteries at the same time......I for one don't subscribe to that notion.....but it is up to you. Have both batteries "load" tested....this can be done by most parts houses. One will be weak. Hope this helps.

 

Mine just did the same thing and it was the alternator. It's a 02 with only 37 K.
I would check the batteries separately


jrb
02/cc/psd

 

I just replaced my alternator,"02" with 72K.

 

When I bought my '99 with 49k on it, the alternator had already been replaced.

 

Hes going to take it in today and have the batteries load tested. Is there only one alternator on these? I have a PSD with 2 alternators. Oh and BTW, there is no battery light on, and of course no gauge since the trans temp took its place. It will start with a jump and run fine, lights are bright. When you shut er off it'll show 11.2 volts with the key on, and less than 1 volt when you go to start it. I'm hoping its the batteries for his sake lol.

 

They had a second alt. as an option. You'll have to take a peek to see what he's got. Its probably just a single and my money is also on the alt. Once you start it, run it in neutral up to 2000-2500 rpms and put a meter on it. Should read 14+ volts. Then turn on the lights ( brights & fogs ) run the A/C comp with fan on high and roll the PW up and down and see what the reading is then in falls down to 12V or less, 99.99% its the alternator. The single alt are weak as little girls. If it is the alt I would upgrade to a 200 Amp one. The stock 110 amp can't cut it. I had to replace mine at 18k & again at 26K. I put a 200 amp in, and now it charges both my truck batteries, my trailer battery, and powers all my lights and stereo gear with room to spare.
The 200 amp alt are a bit spendy, but he plans on keeping the truck for a while, worth every penny.

Good luck,

Austin

 

I agree with Austin. Don't bother having the Parts store check the alternator, I don't think they have a resistive load that will make the alternator put out max current.

 

Lol listen to this one... I called autozone to ask em if theyd test the alternator.... they said they cant test diesel alternators.... I hung up on em...

 

i keep getting codes on my alternator, and today it was running down around 13.4, and the yellow light on the idicator was on... warning of low voltage... normally the voltage runs right around 13.8 to 14.0 volts... questions... where is the alternator on the '02..? is it easy to replace, and what do i want to replace it with..? where do i want to buy the replacement...? truck starts and runs fine, i just get this every so often, usually when it's hot and humid outside...

 

Dont go to auto zone or advance or any cheap place. Go to NAPA. Spend the extra money, it'll save a headache in the long run. Check the connections on your alternator.

 

Most of the time mine reads about 13.5V every once in a while it will read 14 but I have never seen it read over 14. Is this a sign that the diodes are going out? Can the alternator be rebuild?

 

Those readings are good.

NAPA 110 amp, remanufactured, lifetime warranty, $200 w/core $28.00

 

I've been through 3 alts on my '03, never have figured out why, stealership says everything is ok, no extra draw anywhere, still on original batteries even after multiple full discharge cycles. Gotta say the factory Motorcraft Batts in these things are tough little S.O.B.'s, (as two new Optima Red Tops sit in the garage).

Hey Austin, where did you get the 200 amp alt? Curious on the price too......