Battery Light Flashing while running
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Battery Light Flashing while running
On my way to work this morning I noticed my battery light in the cluster was flickering on and off then finally turned all the way on... What could be causing this problem, I have thought that it may be the alternator, but I have no expertise in this part of the truck. I hope that it is safe enough to get it to Advance or AutoZone so that they can run a diagnostic. Has anyone else had this problem? I have a 1999 F250 7.3 psd with 235000 miles on it. It may be time to replace it.
Thanks for your help!
-Chris
Thanks for your help!
-Chris
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
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From: Middle Tennessee
Not even gonna look at the manual for this one. Have the alternator tested and check all of your associated wiring/cables. It's not putting out sufficient voltage. The test is free at any decent parts store. Skip having them try to pull any codes.
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Thanks you all for the help. The batteries seem to be holding fine. I am going to stop by Advance on the way home and see what the diagnostic says. I heard that the part itself will cost approx. $175, I am not sure about the installation, I would do it myself, but I haven't put one on before, thus I don't have the tools for it. Coastdriver, how much did your total replacement costs run, and would you recommend buying one from a autoparts store and then having the stealership put it on. I had a fuel pump go out about 6 months ago and Advance had it for $150 cheaper than a Ford factory pump. Thanks again!
-Chris
-Chris
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 582
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From: Refugio, Texas
Originally Posted by vabch250
Thanks you all for the help. The batteries seem to be holding fine. I am going to stop by Advance on the way home and see what the diagnostic says. I heard that the part itself will cost approx. $175, I am not sure about the installation, I would do it myself, but I haven't put one on before, thus I don't have the tools for it. Coastdriver, how much did your total replacement costs run, and would you recommend buying one from a autoparts store and then having the stealership put it on. I had a fuel pump go out about 6 months ago and Advance had it for $150 cheaper than a Ford factory pump. Thanks again!
-Chris
-Chris
After determining that the alternator is bad....Buy a new or a rebuilt one of good quality ( one with a lifetime warrenty ) and install it yourself. Don't take it to the dealership for something that might only take you about half an hour to do. And don't buy the alternator from the dealership either.
Simple to do.
1. unplug and unbolt wiring
2. take belt off of it by flexing the belt tensioner under the A/C compressor using a 1/2" drive ratchet. Pull back to give the belt some slack and take it off the alternator pulley.
3. Remove the three bolts holding the alternator on.
4. Remove alternator
Reinstall everything in reverse order.....Simple
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Thanks for the help. The dealership wants $275 for the alternator and $150 labor. I will do this one myself, even if it takes me 4 hours. I'll let you all know what they diagnostic says and what I had to do.
-Chris
-Chris
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Jasper, MO
I'm repeating myself here from previous posts, but CHECK CONNECTIONS!!! especially the plugs along the radiator support and passenger side, usually 2-wire connectors, and all too often they get corroded. a good cleaning with contact cleaner and a brush may save you hundreds and hours of aggrevation!
Also, if time is not so much a factor, going to a decent rebuilder/rewinder/auto electric man can save money too. I had one rebuilt up the road from me in jasper for 50 dollars.
Also, if time is not so much a factor, going to a decent rebuilder/rewinder/auto electric man can save money too. I had one rebuilt up the road from me in jasper for 50 dollars.
Last edited by mrfixit64857; Dec 2, 2006 at 09:21 AM.
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It in fact was the alternator, I stopped by Advance and picked one up for $233 minus the $85 core return on the old one, so $148 total. It took about 30 minutes in the driveway to install it, everything is running great! Thanks for all of your help on this one!
-Chris
-Chris