How many alternators
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Joined: Jan 2009
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How many alternators
I have an 2003 F350 SD turbo diesel and I am having alternator problems again. I replaced the original in Dec 06 at Canadian Tirre and then it was replaced in June 08 at GoodYear with a reman. now I am experiencing similar problems which begins with some visible accilating of the interior lights and headlights. I inquired at the dealer and was told they hadn't heard of any issues and that I should clean my battery terminals to ensure a good coneection. Problem continues and tonight I had trouble restarting after I had run the vehicle for about 1/2 hour. A boost got me going but I fear it will not restart tomorrow. weather is quite cold lately putting yet more strain on the entire system. Should I insist on getting a larger amp alternator and which one do I need for my truck.
PS. This is my first post..please be kind.
PS. This is my first post..please be kind.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,659
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I have little repair experience, but if lights are flickering then I would guess you have a poor cable connection somewhere between batteries and main power distribution.
An alternator not meeting electrical demand will cause the battery to slowly discharge and the lights would dim gradually. If a cable connection is poor, then you might get voltage fluctuations to the power distribution block causing lights to flicker. Poor ground will cause the alternator to overcharge the batteries. Poor connection on the (+) cable will cause the alternator to undercharge batteries. Both kill batteries and could effect engine cranking and start up. When people say check connections they mean remove, scrub/degrease to bare metal, tighten properly, and check for breaks in the wire.
Just an idea to chew on. Like I said, I have not needed to repair anything on my truck and I am not familiar with the electrical system.
An alternator not meeting electrical demand will cause the battery to slowly discharge and the lights would dim gradually. If a cable connection is poor, then you might get voltage fluctuations to the power distribution block causing lights to flicker. Poor ground will cause the alternator to overcharge the batteries. Poor connection on the (+) cable will cause the alternator to undercharge batteries. Both kill batteries and could effect engine cranking and start up. When people say check connections they mean remove, scrub/degrease to bare metal, tighten properly, and check for breaks in the wire.
Just an idea to chew on. Like I said, I have not needed to repair anything on my truck and I am not familiar with the electrical system.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
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From: The Land Of Time
Have you ever replaced the batteries and of so with what kind. I know that if you put cheap or low grade batteries in these trucks it causes issues some like you are describing. Around here, I personally have been having problems with the quality of the rebuilds on the alts. I cant get the kits to rebuld them myself so I am at the mercy of the rebuilder and his staff and they are not impressive to say the least. You may just have gotten a few bad alt. too. I owuld haave someone that knows what they are doing run a Starting/Charging system test so you can get the right parts repaired. Wish you were closer I would be more than happy to help you out.
Sarge
Sarge
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Sarge,
I changed out the batteries in the first year under warranty with the dealer because of a similar issue...could not start after being over night in very cold place. But I have had no problem with the bats since. It was odd since it was so new.
The occilation of lights only started this fall....since having a new alternator. I will check connections in the morning and see what I can see.
I changed out the batteries in the first year under warranty with the dealer because of a similar issue...could not start after being over night in very cold place. But I have had no problem with the bats since. It was odd since it was so new.
The occilation of lights only started this fall....since having a new alternator. I will check connections in the morning and see what I can see.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,460
Likes: 14
From: The Land Of Time
Could be that you just got a bad alternator. Unfortunatly there is no such thing as a new alt anymore...in most cases. Everything is remanufctured or rebuilt which means that someone who may have little experience is putting them together. Usually they are using inferior parts as well.
Keep us posted,
Sarge
Keep us posted,
Sarge
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
Alternators are hit or miss unfortunately.
I've heard guys that seem to have problems getting good alts go with Motorcraft. I like to go back to the source for some things, AC Delco for GM, Motorcraft for Ford etc. Sometimes you can't or it's really expensive.
The brushes or the slip rings inside could have issues making poor contact and intermittent or fluctuating current as well. But check all the connections etc to be thorough.
I've heard guys that seem to have problems getting good alts go with Motorcraft. I like to go back to the source for some things, AC Delco for GM, Motorcraft for Ford etc. Sometimes you can't or it's really expensive.
The brushes or the slip rings inside could have issues making poor contact and intermittent or fluctuating current as well. But check all the connections etc to be thorough.
