Headlights and dashlights getting dim?
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Headlights and dashlights getting dim?
Was driving in to work this morning and notice that my headlights and dashlights were getting dim. Battery light, abs light, low fuel light all flickered when I was about to shut the truck off. 98 F150
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: SW VA
Thats exactly what happened when my alternator went out. Driving home from work, I noticed that my headlights and dashlights were dimmer than normal. Then, my stereo kept cutting out and flashing on and off randomly. At stoplights, my truck would hardly idle. As I got closer to home, the truck would barely make it up the hills. The ABS light came on when I hit the brake. The parking brake and seatbelt light would come on. ALL my gauges went to zero (MPH, Tach, Gas, Oil Pressure, ect...), but the voltmeter gauge would read just below the bottom line (around 8.5-9 volts).
Replaced the alternator and everything is back to normal. Better than normal actually....my headlights are brighter and so are my dashlights. I have a feeling that my amp and subwoofer led to the short life of the stock alternator (97K miles).
Replaced the alternator and everything is back to normal. Better than normal actually....my headlights are brighter and so are my dashlights. I have a feeling that my amp and subwoofer led to the short life of the stock alternator (97K miles).
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: N. Mississippi
Same thing happened to me when the alternator in a 90 F-150 I used to own "went south". That's why I asked if he could check the output on the alternator.
I also had one go out on a 78 Datusn pickup and I barely made it home one night. In fact, the truck died completely at the end of my driveway.
I also had one go out on a 78 Datusn pickup and I barely made it home one night. In fact, the truck died completely at the end of my driveway.
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With the truck running the gauge is about in middle with nothing turned on. Light, radio, etc. When I turn on the headlights, fan, etc. the guage dips to about a 1/4.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: N. Mississippi
I'll say you need a new alternator. Take it buy Autozone or any other auto supply that can check it and make sure.
Just don't get caught out anywhere because the battery will sure leave you high and dry at the most inopportune time.
Just don't get caught out anywhere because the battery will sure leave you high and dry at the most inopportune time.
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Well, I all most made it home form work last night. All guages when dead about half way home, I knew the first stop I made was going to be my last stop. It was, in the middle of an intersection. With a little help from the local police to push me throught the intersection, there I sat. Was able to get some jumper cable and a jump to get me home. Pulled the alternator, put a new one in. All is good. I have 166K mile on the truck.
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