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Jun 8, 2009 | 05:30 PM

bostonwhaler333

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Couple Quick Questions

I have a 1989 F250 (135K miles) with a 5.8L and I blew out the starter solenoid. After reading up on it, I decided to install a new battery and cables along withe a new solenoid because both were pretty tired. I then installed a new alternator because the new battery wasn't showing much charge and I am pretty sure it may have been the original alternator. The problem I am having now is the battery does not appear to be gaining any additional charge and is still reading real low on the guage like with the orignal alternator... any ideas?

Also, I am not the best with electical and my brake lights are out. I checked all the lights and fuses and they all work including the tail lights. Any help that anyone can provide me with this would be much appreciated as well.

Jun 8, 2009 | 06:02 PM

SaikotikGunman

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From: Pennsylvania Wilds

Double check the alternator hookup.

Jun 8, 2009 | 06:06 PM

goodB0Y

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From: Vancouver B.C.

I personally put very little faith into the factory battery/alt gauge... or any of them for that mater. The best thing to do is take it to a shop and have them load test your battery and alternator. This will tell you how many amps and volts your battery and alternator are puting out, and tell you if there is a problem with them. In a pinch you can use a voltmeter to tell you if the alternator is working... but your only getting 1/2 of the story.

to use a volt meter you place the appropriate leads of the meter on the corresponding terminals of the battery. Now making sure it's set to the right setting see what voltage you have with the engine off. Now start the enging and rev it up a bit and see what the voltage is at... you should see a voltage increase with the engine running.

Hope that helps.....

Jun 8, 2009 | 06:19 PM

dustybumpers

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From: In my own world

there is a warning light on your dash that is apicture of a battery that comes on when you first turn on the key. if this is not lit up when the truck is running, your alt is chargeing. do not trust the factory guage, they are really useless. check the voltage with a voltmeter, you can get a cheap one at sears for about $10. your brakelight switch needs to be adjusted, or replaced. to adjust it just take your hand, and push up on it, you have to bend it. go a little at a time, as you don't want to have the brake lights on all the time. bend a little, and push the pedal, get it where the lights come on with slight pressure. best to have an assistant for this one, to watch the lights.

Jun 9, 2009 | 06:05 AM

bostonwhaler333

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Thanks for the input guys - I appreciate all of your assistance. I will let you know how I make out. Real quick, when you said that you wouldn't put faith in the battery guage, would you say the same for the coolant temp guage? I recently installed a new coolant temp sensor as well as a new thermostat and the temp still doesn't seem to read right all the time on the guage...

Jun 9, 2009 | 07:32 AM

SaikotikGunman

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From: Pennsylvania Wilds

I don't trust any of my gauges, including my speedo...

Jun 9, 2009 | 11:01 AM

dustybumpers

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From: In my own world

factory guages are for show and tell. they show, but really don't tell. sad, but they are never accurate even when new. the older the vehicle is, the less abt I would be to trust them