Battery Light
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 33
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Battery Light
I have a 2000 F150 with 150K miles. Started it up this morning and the battery light stayed on for about 3 minutes and went out. Took it to Advance Auto and had them check the charging system. Battery and Alternator checked out good. After it had been sitting a couple of hours started it up and the battery light did the same thing again. Stayed on a little longer this time. Is this what happens when the alternator is getting ready to go out? If it is how long before the alternator quits completely?What else can I check to see what the problem is? Who offers the best prices on alternators if that is the problem. Thanks for any assistance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
From: DC
When my alternator started going bad, I got a battery light when I went above about 2000 rpm. After I changed the alt, I read that it's usually the brushes going bad. The brushes are cheap ($15 or $20ish) and easy to change. You might want to give it a shot, IIRC the instructions are in the Haynes manual. If you decide to change the alt, consider a new one, took me 3 tries to get a good rebuilt (AAAARGH!). You can also check e-bay, there used to be a company that did ambulance conversions that would sell "new take off" alternators.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
i bought an off take on e-bay that came off an ambulance conversion for about $75.
I would not put brushes in one of the newer type alternators. That was common 20 years ago, but the new ones have harder brushes and i see quite a bit of wear on the commutator contaces by the time the brushes are worn. Alternators last about 150 k miles. Its time, get another. Some aftermarket are good, others may not be. Look for a warranty.
I would not put brushes in one of the newer type alternators. That was common 20 years ago, but the new ones have harder brushes and i see quite a bit of wear on the commutator contaces by the time the brushes are worn. Alternators last about 150 k miles. Its time, get another. Some aftermarket are good, others may not be. Look for a warranty.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
I usually rebuild mine and Steve is correct the commutator rings wear out.
The rings can be replaced for about $10 and brush/regulator $25, but if the bearings are worn go with a new one.
Last new one I bought "Bosch" has a lifetime warranty, already collected on that once..
The rings can be replaced for about $10 and brush/regulator $25, but if the bearings are worn go with a new one.
Last new one I bought "Bosch" has a lifetime warranty, already collected on that once..
