alternator question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
alternator question
I have a 1999 E150. 6 cylinder, about 100,000 miles.
Last week I notice the battery light coming when I accelerate, over the next two days it became harder to start, until finally I needed a jump. I took the battery to Auto Zone, they tested it and said it was dead. It was probably the original battery. I pick up a new battery. It ran fine for two days then last night I notice the battery light coming on again when I accelerate. I took my truck back to Auto Zone and had them test the alternator, they said it was charging a little low, but it was fine, it didn't need to be replaced. The truck ran fine all day, but tonight the battery light starts to flash on again when I accelerate. The truck seemed to be running fine.
I wondering if the alternator is starting to go out and it's intermittent, maybe sometime it's charging OK, sometimes it's not. Or could it be something else?
Last week I notice the battery light coming when I accelerate, over the next two days it became harder to start, until finally I needed a jump. I took the battery to Auto Zone, they tested it and said it was dead. It was probably the original battery. I pick up a new battery. It ran fine for two days then last night I notice the battery light coming on again when I accelerate. I took my truck back to Auto Zone and had them test the alternator, they said it was charging a little low, but it was fine, it didn't need to be replaced. The truck ran fine all day, but tonight the battery light starts to flash on again when I accelerate. The truck seemed to be running fine.
I wondering if the alternator is starting to go out and it's intermittent, maybe sometime it's charging OK, sometimes it's not. Or could it be something else?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,666
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
The old battery was more than likely good.
The brushes in the alternator are too short and need to be replaced.
In other words you have a bad alternator.
When you go to buy a new alternator have it tested at the Auto Parts Store before you pay for it (the new one).
Some of the members here have said they have had to take the new alternator back up to four times to get a good one from Auto Zone.
The brushes in the alternator are too short and need to be replaced.
In other words you have a bad alternator.
When you go to buy a new alternator have it tested at the Auto Parts Store before you pay for it (the new one).
Some of the members here have said they have had to take the new alternator back up to four times to get a good one from Auto Zone.
Last edited by subford; Apr 11, 2007 at 07:39 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
A word of warning about autozone alternators. They sell two versions; the cheap one are something like $69 and are not worth the effort to install them, even if free. When i had my shop the Autozone commercial sales rep told me that we would be replacing it under warranty within a year, at least once. This was basically my experience with them as well. They also sell a higher quality unit; approx $129 that is a typical high quality unit and will give longer service.
I wouldn't bother with the $69 alternators where ever you find them. You just can't expect one to last at that price. $100 is about the minimum for a proper rebuilt alternator.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
I wouldn't bother with the $69 alternators where ever you find them. You just can't expect one to last at that price. $100 is about the minimum for a proper rebuilt alternator.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 131
From: Maryville
Mine was doing that for over a year, I let it go to be certain it was the alt, it got worse one day, so in aggrivation, was raining, I got on it hard and did my first real good burn out, smoked both for what seemed forever, I refused to let off, light stayed on, even when I backed out. I had it rebuilt, guy wound it for more amp while he was in it, origional 130 amp, said he took it to the max the case size would allow, cost about the same as a remanufactured one, but upgraded. He said it had a short that caused the light issue, until I finished it off, he replaced the rear case with one with the slots instead of holes, made installation so easy, and if it ever requires removal, it'll be easier and quicker due to not having to remove the bolts. 99 E-350 Ext 5.4 15 passenger
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: in a dirty place
alternators & starters
I will only buy alt. or starters from any chain store in an emergency. take the time to find a reputable shop that specializes in automotive electrics and develop a relationship with them. I have not bought a starter or alternator from a chain store in 20 years - this after a nightmare of failed starters on a bbc-- 2 cents--fp
Last edited by flying-pig; Apr 13, 2007 at 09:06 AM. Reason: sp
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Nate38654
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
70
Aug 21, 2016 04:47 PM
