Battery indicator light

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Aug 15, 2006 | 06:53 AM

GA Strokin

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Battery indicator light

Was towing back home to GA from WI, and for about the last 250 miles, my battery indicator light was on. This was Sunday. There were no noticeable issues, it has started fine and run fine since then. Today, on my 20 mile commute to work, the battery light kicked on again. Using a volt-meter, with the engine running, the batteries were both putting out 12.5 and at the back of the alternator, it was putting out 13.5. Not sure what normal should be or how to measure amps. What could be causing this problem? 2001 F-250 PS. Batteries were both replaced in Feb 2006.

Aug 15, 2006 | 07:00 AM

zx250

Of the next Riffraff East

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Concord NC

Sounds like your alternator is headed south. Mine did the same thing for about 10 days, each time the light came on, it stayed on a little longer. It finally came on and stayed. Not long until the truck was dead. For the batteries sake, have it checked out and replaced soon.

Aug 15, 2006 | 07:07 AM

Markadeck

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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo

Wisconsin is being rough on alternators this summer. On my way to Alaska in May mine did the exact same thing right near The Dells, On and off for a couple of hundred miles, then on all the time. Spend the extra Benjamin and get a new one. I went the rebuilt route a couple of years ago and look where it got me.

Aug 15, 2006 | 07:29 AM

Kwikkordead

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From: Rio Rico, AZ.

Brushes are wearing out.

Aug 15, 2006 | 10:03 AM

GA Strokin

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Thanks for the input, that is what I was afraid of. We have a local guy who has rebuilt an alternator for me, he has lifetime warranty on it for $80. Are these things not good to rebuild? He rebuilt one for me in another vehicle and juiced it up a little bit and it has done great for the last 3 years. Is there something about these alternators that would make them a bad candidate for a rebuild?

Aug 15, 2006 | 10:34 AM

Markadeck

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From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo

I'm sure there are quality rebuild shops around, but both times I have lost an anternator I have been on the road and did not have the time to fool around. But then again I'm always on the road. Will I ever get to fool around?