alternator help!!!
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 37
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alternator help!!!
got the dreaded battery light on my 00 f250 5.4 and a few hours later it was sputtering and then just died .so i got a new battery and installed it just to get it home but i was wondering how to check to make sure that it is the rectifier or the alternator? the battery is good but it ran out of juice because its not charging. whem off the meter says 12.33 volts but running goes down to 12.10 volts
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 77
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Yep, sounds like the alternator.
Can't speak for your 5.4, but I got a rebuilt one for my 7.3 for about $150. Put it on in the parking lot at work. In the dark. Standing on a bucket so I could reach. Made four trips back to the shop for tools, and it still took me all of about 17 minutes.
Dealer wanted $400.
Robert
(If you don't wanna take my word for it, any of the auto-parts places will test it for free...)
Can't speak for your 5.4, but I got a rebuilt one for my 7.3 for about $150. Put it on in the parking lot at work. In the dark. Standing on a bucket so I could reach. Made four trips back to the shop for tools, and it still took me all of about 17 minutes.
Dealer wanted $400.
Robert
(If you don't wanna take my word for it, any of the auto-parts places will test it for free...)
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
Yup, it's a bad alternator. You should be seeing 13V+ across the battery with the engine running.
Alternator replacement on a 5.4 is laughably simple. I use a 1/2"-socket type breakover bar to release the tensioner and slip the belt off, then a socket set and a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the connections (careful, don't break them). I've done alternators on several 5.4s (Expedition, F150, F250) and can usually do one by myself in 10 minutes.
If you've got a fair number of miles, now might be a good time to think about replacing the belt. If the old one isn't cracked/frayed, toss it in your toolkit so you have a spare in case one comes apart on the road.
Alternator replacement on a 5.4 is laughably simple. I use a 1/2"-socket type breakover bar to release the tensioner and slip the belt off, then a socket set and a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the connections (careful, don't break them). I've done alternators on several 5.4s (Expedition, F150, F250) and can usually do one by myself in 10 minutes.
If you've got a fair number of miles, now might be a good time to think about replacing the belt. If the old one isn't cracked/frayed, toss it in your toolkit so you have a spare in case one comes apart on the road.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
14.5 volts at idle with a charged battery. If you have an alt shop near you you can buy a new brush kit and any other part you need . Most auto parts stores carry the reg and brushes. A couple of screws in the back and all comes out. Take apart and see if the brushes are worn
