hey guys, a little background so today i was driving home from tahoe to chico and im sitting in traffic and flick the compressor on for the horns, just to have a full tank incase because all the people weaving in a out. well i flicked the switch and my stereo cuts out, i didnt think to much of it just a messed up mp3 file. i look at the dash and the abs light is on which i think is on just because its icy and i spun the tires a bit. So here is my problem that i had some time to think about but still might have to take it to the ford dealer. The truck's rpms fall below 1000 and the radio shuts off like no power to it, the abs light goes on and if i am below 1000rpms for a bove 30 seconds the dash completely shuts down(no gauges or odometer). This is really odd but it all started happening after i switch on my compressor which i immediately turned off then the stereo cut off the first time. I can't take the truck to our mechanic since im at school and i cant pull the chip before i got to the dealership so im pretty much screwed unless i can figure it out. anyone have any suggestions? the only thing the stereo and compressor have in common is they share the same battery. Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

I have no idea. I would just wonder where are you pulling power from to run the compressor? Are you running it through a relay? Need details.

 

Batteries getting weak maybe and cannot handle the extra power draw? Or an alternator going and not keeping the batteries up. Especially the low RPM's. Can you get them load tested?

 

I'll see if i can get the batts checked.

and i would have to check to see if the compressor is wired into a relay, it was done a long time ago and i had help with most of the wiring while i was trying to mount up everything under the truck.

 

Taylor like Jay and Justin said. Check you batteries and the alternator. Make sure that your getting the correct voltage. Also check all of your connections including grounds. A loose ground will make electronics do weird things.

 

I would have to go with the alternator as the culprit. But i would also check the batteries

 

thanks, do you know if autozone or kraegen can check the alternator?

 

I know Autozone can. I would imagine kraegen could.

 

Yes they can check it, but their results are not always 100% accurate. I've had Autozone test an alternator and say it was good even though it would not charge the batteries.

Sounds like you need to look into what kind of draw that compressor pulls when you switch it on and maybe look into a heavier duty alternator, and perhaps an undersized pulley. In the mean time, if you think you need to switch on the compressor, make sure the engine rpm is up over 1500.

 

Taylor do you have a multimeter? If so we can walk you through a couple of tests.

 

Autozone can check them but Ive found out they arent very reliable. Mine tested good and a day later I was in there buying a new one....

Wow...20 minutes slow on that one!

 

No, ill try to pick one up tomorrow after class. it really sucks being away from home and if it is an alternator im going to have to pay someone to put it in.

 

if it is an alternator you can put in in your self with just the very basic tools. if you have a tool kit you can get it done easily. If you have questions ask in here and i am sure we will be more than happy to help you out.

LUKE

 

I agree with the above. You can buy yourself a cheap socket set and do the swap yourself for less than someone will charge you for the labor.

 

well i just got done with class and go to start the truck, not even a bit of juice. so i had my buddy try and jump it and got nothing. now im about to call AAA and get a flat bed tow to pepboys where they can do the work just so i can have it fixed and not deal with it in the rain at the schools parking lot though it would be fun to do work with people wondering what the heck im doing. thanks for the help guys and if you have any suggestions on how to start it so i can limp it there that would be great.


edit: maybe ill still be able to just pick up an alternator if this one tests out bad and do the swap myself so i get something to do. how about a more powerful one, anyone know if pepboys, autozone or anyone would stock a better one or should i just get a stock one?