Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Gps = battery light?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 21, 2009 | 09:55 PM
  #1  
Benny2002's Avatar
Benny2002
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
Question Gps = battery light?

I just had new batts put in the truck cause they were on there way out. My battery light would flicker when my glow plugs were on. I had the batts tested and knew for sure they were done. Anyway so now with fresh batterys im still getting a less frequent battery flicker light.

Thoughts?

The alternator is only 2 years old, i have never had one go bad that fast. Anyone have other common faults with this charging system. I will throw a meter on the alt tomorrow but was wondering if you guys had any other info. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2009 | 10:19 PM
  #2  
Tenn01PSD350's Avatar
Tenn01PSD350
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 2
From: Middle Tennessee
Originally Posted by Benny2002
Thoughts?

The alternator is only 2 years old, i have never had one go bad that fast. Anyone have other common faults with this charging system. I will throw a meter on the alt tomorrow but was wondering if you guys had any other info. Thanks
Pretty much what you said. Mine was putting out 14.5 as of yesterday. (It was cold).

Wonder if you might not have a short somewhere if the alternator checks out?
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 05:55 AM
  #3  
Benny2002's Avatar
Benny2002
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
thanks mike, i will post results.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 06:10 AM
  #4  
F350-6's Avatar
F350-6
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Most of the rebuilt alternators I've used go bad after a year. Don't forget to check the connections on the back of the alternator, the batteries, and grounds.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 07:49 AM
  #5  
swaybar's Avatar
swaybar
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Mass
i just replaced my remaned alternator a month ago that only had about 14,000 miles on it and was about 20 months old. i was disappointed myself.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 09:13 AM
  #6  
bc56845's Avatar
bc56845
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Candler, NC
I just replaced my alternator for the third time in two years on monday. It was a new one from advance, not rebuilt. It was the second one from them and the bearings were going out of both of them and the charging light would flicker, mostly after startup when the GP's were on. I finally went back to advance and demanded my money back. They ended up giving me my 190$ back and I drove over the mountain to DB electrical and got one of thier stock ones for $99. Worked out well, got a better alternator and 90 bucks back!
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 11:16 AM
  #7  
cgl's Avatar
cgl
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
I'm on my second "New" Duralast Gold. The first one failed after 8 months. It decided to put out 17 vdc. Luckily I noticed before it destroyed my batteries. This second one was replaced for free, but it starting to show signs of failure (occasional flickering battery light) after 11 months.
 
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2009 | 07:53 PM
  #8  
Benny2002's Avatar
Benny2002
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
Update, ya the alternator is an AZ duralast gold. Put my meter on it this morning and it was running at 14v my fluke doesnt do half voltage, if the 14.5 is the ideal mark it probably is fine. The light was still on when i checked it which didnt make sense and i believe so were the glow plugs, truck was plugged in last night but it was 32 this morn in Florida. Batts are new and the alt is pushing 14v. So i unplugged the two wire connector and the wires were a little twisted but didnt seem to be damaged, i blew out the connector and fiddled with it a little bit and plugged it back in and so far not batt light.
My question is what is the two wire connector go to and or control?
Just the idiot light?
Voltage regulator?
Rectifier?
Something else?

Thx Ftes
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 12:56 PM
  #9  
cgl's Avatar
cgl
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by Benny2002
My question is what is the two wire connector go to and or control?
Just the idiot light?
Voltage regulator?
Rectifier?
Something else?

Thx Ftes
Well, the rectifier and voltage regulator are internal to the alternator. The connector you're talking about should have 3 wires. When looking into the connector, with the clip on top, the right-most pin is what controls the battery light on the dash. This is the A circuit. When something fails within the generator, it will send 12vdc to that pin which will light the indicator on the dash.
 
Reply
Old Jan 23, 2009 | 02:16 PM
  #10  
Benny2002's Avatar
Benny2002
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton FL
The connector only has 2 wires, three pins inside but 2 wires?
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:26 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE