Alternator & Battery Light technical problem, need tech. help!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: Florence,SC
The truck had run for a while. I turned it off and done the check with cables unhooked at both batteries. I did not recheck each battery (one at a time) with one hooked up and the other unhooked. At the time of the check there was no load whatsoever applied to either battery because of being unhooked. Sorry to sound a little slow, but I think what you are saying I should do is unhook both batteries, check one at a time with a load applied, I.E. a load tester, correct? I've got to get off of here for jusy a few minutes, (dialup and one line), will be back on as soon as wifey gets off the phone. LOL
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 9,714
Likes: 2
From: White Mnt's,New Hampshire
check one at a time with a load applied, I.E. a load tester, yes..one of the batts. could drain faster under a load then the other but will still take a charge and read good..
Last edited by ron's power stoke; Oct 11, 2007 at 08:01 PM.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 192
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From: Florence,SC
Thanks Ron! I really hadn't thought much about a simple old fashion load test until a few minutes ago. If you read my sig. you would think that it would have been one of the first things I would do. It's easy to get wrapped up in technical stuff and overlook the simple things sometimes! DUH!
p.s. Are the regulators built into these alternators or is it somewhere else? Mine is a 2000 7.3
p.s. Are the regulators built into these alternators or is it somewhere else? Mine is a 2000 7.3
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Originally Posted by JIM ROLAND
Thanks Ron! I really hadn't thought much about a simple old fashion load test until a few minutes ago. If you read my sig. you would think that it would have been one of the first things I would do. It's easy to get wrapped up in technical stuff and overlook the simple things sometimes! DUH!
p.s. Are the regulators built into these alternators or is it somewhere else? Mine is a 2000 7.3
p.s. Are the regulators built into these alternators or is it somewhere else? Mine is a 2000 7.3
Hey Jim, just noticed your from Florence SC, I've got some family up there. My Aunt still lives in Florence, and my 2 cousins (her boys) have moved out to Myrtle Beach. My uncle Bill(deceased) used to have a car dealership there, my cousins and I used to go over to the track and watch the races, his Dealership was a big sponsor of some of the earlier races in the 70's and 80's.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 329
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From: Carroll County, MD
The regulator is built in.
I have heard that there was a problem with the small two conductor plug on the back of the alternator as well (something like corrosion IIRC). I think there is even a repair kit available. With the regulator built into the alternator, you unfortunately can't "full field" the alternator like in the old days to check it.
Also load test the batteries - this is always good advise as a first check
I have heard that there was a problem with the small two conductor plug on the back of the alternator as well (something like corrosion IIRC). I think there is even a repair kit available. With the regulator built into the alternator, you unfortunately can't "full field" the alternator like in the old days to check it.
Also load test the batteries - this is always good advise as a first check
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 192
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From: Florence,SC
THANKS TO ALL! I'll get a load test done asap.
bdrummonds: I have been here approx. 21 yrs. What was his dealership name? I probably didn't know him but I work at Toyota and our used car mgr. has been in the business in this area for about 35 yrs. He probably knew him!
bdrummonds: I have been here approx. 21 yrs. What was his dealership name? I probably didn't know him but I work at Toyota and our used car mgr. has been in the business in this area for about 35 yrs. He probably knew him!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Posting here to see what fixes the problem.. mine is acting similar with a intermittent flashing battery light. My batteries are both less than 2 months old and my voltages look OK...But, i will check the correctors..
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 192
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From: Florence,SC
As of right now the problem seems to be fixed, no light, good news. I remember when I installed the first new alt., I started the engine and the light flickered for approx. 1/2 second and went off, came back on the next day. I'm staying subscribed to this thread I started also. I will update more info. as time allows me to do further checking, even though the light is off for now.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 803
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From: Bobcaygeon Ont.
I had a similar prob. at the beginning of this year. Alt. stopped charging. After checking everything (or so i thought) Went and replaced alt. Still no go!! So after doing some more fiddling it turned out to be the small charge field wire from the fuse box under the hood was bad somewhere in the harness. I removed the fuse box and ran a new lead from the fuse to the alt. and relaced the small plug. I found this by luck. I had my test light hooked to the pos. terminal on the battery and was testing wires. I stuck the sharp end into the plug to see what was what. When the point hit the pin in the plug the truck started to charge. When i removed it, it would stop. Now all is well except i wish i still had my Ford alt. These remans suck! I'm on my 3'rd one!! Good thing for warrenties!!!!! 