Alternator or Something else???
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Forest Hill MD
Alternator or Something else???
I bought another truck to drive daily so my Ford F150 4X4 4.6 has been sitting. Before I parked it no real problems, since parked I have gone through three battery's. I took out some extra lights I had recently run so all the wiring is factory. I thought OK maybe the battery was just old. Charged it a couple of times with the same result, after a day or two it would be dead. Bought a new battery and now after 3 days it too is dead, I put it on the charger and it is reading "open Cell" and will not take a charge. Someone suggested that the alternator may have a bad solenoid that would drain the battery while shut off. So is there something else I can check or can I have someone check this? I don't want to spend the $175 for a new one if I don't have to since the truck is a back up now at best.
Thanks in advance
Chris
Thanks in advance
Chris
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Joined: Feb 2006
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You didn't mention what year but usually an alternator failure will show up on either an idiot light or the gauge if you have one. There is no solenoid in an alternator so if someone told you that, you know not to talk shop with that guy.
First, get that new battery replaced. It should take a charge if it's new, even if you run it completely dead.
If the new battery goes dead then you'll need a current meter and after connecting it in series with the battery, start pulling fuses until you find the circuit pulling the current.
First, get that new battery replaced. It should take a charge if it's new, even if you run it completely dead.
If the new battery goes dead then you'll need a current meter and after connecting it in series with the battery, start pulling fuses until you find the circuit pulling the current.
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From: Virginia
Try this test. If the light glows bright, you have a drain. If you suspect the alternator being the cause(it could be), then take the wires off the alternator, and try the light test again. If the light still glows bright, it is something else, and you can start removing fuses to find what it is.
Just a note, especially on your late model truck, wait a few minutes before doing the above test if you just turned the truck off. The gizmo that lets you run the electric windows and some of the other stuff for a period of time after you take the key out will give a false drain reading till it times out.
Just a note, especially on your late model truck, wait a few minutes before doing the above test if you just turned the truck off. The gizmo that lets you run the electric windows and some of the other stuff for a period of time after you take the key out will give a false drain reading till it times out.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Forest Hill MD
Thanks for the replies The truck is a 97. I'll give it a try as soon as I can and post back. I already did the new battery and it drained it, when recharging it would not and said "open Cell"
THANKS
THANKS
Last edited by christaylor; May 10, 2006 at 01:43 PM.
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It shouldn't have an open cell, even after discharge, unless it's set for several months. I didn't use my 89 Ford Van for 8 months. It runs the battery dead in about a week sitting there. A few weeks ago I charged it up and it stays charged and this battery is about 3 years old.
You've definitely got something discharging it, but it's unlikely the alternator. Doing what is suggested above will help greatly.
You've definitely got something discharging it, but it's unlikely the alternator. Doing what is suggested above will help greatly.
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