Charging System Light

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Aug 22, 2006 | 07:23 AM

john1

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Charging System Light

The charging system light on my '96 F150 came on this morning. What could be the cause of this? Does this mean the battery is not getting charged? Battery was replaced 3 or 4 years ago. Could the problem be the alternator?

Aug 22, 2006 | 07:41 AM

MRL123

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From: Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Probably your alternator is not putting our the required voltage. Put a voltmeter on the battery with the engine running and you should see 14.5 to 15 volts. Less than that is indicative of a failed/failing alternator. You could also take the alternator to an auto parts store and have then test it for you.

Cheers!

Mike

Aug 22, 2006 | 07:52 AM

john1

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I just went down and took a look under the hood. The battery looks pretty corroded around the connections. Could this cause the battery to not get fully charged from the alternator and cause the light to come on?

Aug 22, 2006 | 07:56 AM

MRL123

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From: Wetaskiwin, Alberta

AFAIK the wire that triggers the dash light measures the output from the alternator before it gets to the battery. Certainly if you have tons of spooge on your battery posts you should clean them up really well and hook it up again. You do know that if your alternator isn't putting out sufficient charge you are running your truck just off of the battery? I wouldn't run it more than you have to until you get the alternator checked out and the problem resolved.

Cheers!

Mike

Aug 22, 2006 | 08:01 AM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Tech tip:
Liberally coat the battery terminals and connector in petrolium jelly. This will completely prevent the crusty corrosion.

Aug 22, 2006 | 11:56 AM

Boss429F150

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the petrolium jelly also insulates between the battery posts and the cables which increases resistance and slows current flow. I work at Firestone and I see people all the time use petrolium jelly, grease and anything else they can find. Try cleaning the terminals and using a spray on Batt. protector, fairly cheap at parts store or walmart.

Aug 22, 2006 | 12:23 PM

Conanski

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss429F150

the petrolium jelly also insulates between the battery posts and the cables which increases resistance and slows current flow.

Nonsense!! The tiny layer between the post and lug is not enough to make a significant difference.. especially compared to a similar amount of corrosion.