Volt meter
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Volt meter
New to the forums so pardon me if I couldn't find (after a search) the answer.
1996 F-250 Crew Cab 2-WD, 149,000 miles. From day one the volt meter would drop after starting, then move back up past center after a few moments. And stay there regardless of engine RPM. About a year ago it started staying below center. If the RPMs were increased it would go back up, but at idle it still drops. No problem starting, good batteries, no other problems. Is this a flaky meter or is there a hidden problem?
Thanks,
Wayne
1996 F-250 Crew Cab 2-WD, 149,000 miles. From day one the volt meter would drop after starting, then move back up past center after a few moments. And stay there regardless of engine RPM. About a year ago it started staying below center. If the RPMs were increased it would go back up, but at idle it still drops. No problem starting, good batteries, no other problems. Is this a flaky meter or is there a hidden problem?
Thanks,
Wayne
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
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Welcome to the forums Wayne. Your volt meter drops after starting because the glow plugs are sucking the power. The plugs turn off then your meter reads normal. As far as your low meter now, im not sure. Someone else will chime in for sure. Maybe a bad connection somewhere.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
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From: Johnson City, TN.
I would take it to autozone or something similiar to have them check alternator. Maybe even take it off and take to them to isolate it from other hidden problems. How old are the batteries. Also use a test light to verify that the GP's are shutting off and not staying on.
BTW Welcome, and feel free to ask any question at anytime. We love it.
BTW Welcome, and feel free to ask any question at anytime. We love it.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,608
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From: Belair md
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...ype=11&PTSet=A
get it tested but sounds like the alt is takin a dump, that link is best bang for buck, its paladine but when you open the box its all stamped ford motorcraft on the parts, including the regulator, 120 bucks, lifetime gurantee
get it tested but sounds like the alt is takin a dump, that link is best bang for buck, its paladine but when you open the box its all stamped ford motorcraft on the parts, including the regulator, 120 bucks, lifetime gurantee
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Excellent, thanks for the link. I noted at the PDF for the alternator it mentions this:
Note the small regulator plug is a frequent cause of bad connections. This may prevent the alternator from charging properly.
I'll check that first.
Thanks.
Note the small regulator plug is a frequent cause of bad connections. This may prevent the alternator from charging properly.
I'll check that first.
Thanks.
