Charging problems
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Charging problems
Hey so I have a 1992 F 150 and Ive had a problem lately that I havent been able to figure out. Last week I was driving home and my stereo cut out on me followed shortly by my signal lights and headlights spedometer exc. The engine didn't stop; but I only had to travel a short distance dont know if it would of or not. When I shut the engine off that night I tried to start it and it wouldn't. The next morning I got up and the truck started but very slowly due to a weak battery charge. On my way to work the battery charge went very low then rebounded back to the middle of the voltmeter on the dash. Followed by the battery charge going back down and the truck losing all power again. I have no idea what this is. The alternator is less then a year old, I also went around cleaned and tightened all the conections with a wire brush. Any Ideas would be greatly apprechiated
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
Sounds like you are losing the DC exciter voltage to the alternator (A/C Generator as Ford calls it). An alternator will only put out current for a short time after it is no longer excited. This voltage will slowly decrease until the engine dies.
Losing DC exciter voltage can be caused by a bad battery or a bad connection back to the battery. This could be the place where the batteries Negative cable attaches to the block, either battery post, at the connection on the starter relay or at the alternator itself. Also bad battery cables can do this.
I think your alternator is still good and you have some wires or a battery to look at. About the only thing that can come an go in an alternator is the brushes and unless it was a poor rebuild job on it the brushes should last longer than a year.
Losing DC exciter voltage can be caused by a bad battery or a bad connection back to the battery. This could be the place where the batteries Negative cable attaches to the block, either battery post, at the connection on the starter relay or at the alternator itself. Also bad battery cables can do this.
I think your alternator is still good and you have some wires or a battery to look at. About the only thing that can come an go in an alternator is the brushes and unless it was a poor rebuild job on it the brushes should last longer than a year.
Last edited by subford; Apr 9, 2007 at 07:50 AM.
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by Planspec.1
If you can get the truck to run disconnect the battery cable. If the truck stalls out it's your alt
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