7.3 EX Electrical problem? Or batteries??

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Oct 11, 2009 | 10:39 AM

CptSD

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7.3 EX Electrical problem? Or batteries??

I'm wondering what the heck is going on with my 02 Excursion?? I was sitting in the drive thru yesterday evening looked down and the instrument panel was dead and the ABS light was on? So I shut it off to see if I could restart and possible reset everything. Well she was dead! Got some help from the guy behind me pushed it out of the drive thru and jumped it. It started and ran but still no Instrument panel and the radio wouldn't work? So I got it home checked the batteries and put it on the charger...After charging about a total of 4 hours the batteries are reading around 12 volts it starts but that damn ABS light keeps coming on? So do I have an electrical problem or do I need to replace the batteries?? Last time I replaced the batteries they just went dead, I replaced them and that was it...None of this other stuff happened thats what worries me.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated, JB

Oct 11, 2009 | 10:42 AM

87 F-150 I6

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From: Parker, CO

Sounds like the alt is not charging, I would load test it first and then replace the batteries.

Oct 11, 2009 | 11:25 AM

clintbonnie

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

To check the alternator, use a digital volt meter to check the voltage at the batteries at an idle.. should be around 14.4 volts.. after your glow plugs kick off..(about 2 minutes).

Oct 11, 2009 | 11:48 AM

CptSD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by clintbonnie

To check the alternator, use a digital volt meter to check the voltage at the batteries at an idle.. should be around 14.4 volts.. after your glow plugs kick off..(about 2 minutes).

Ok, please forgive my ignorance but I am not very knowledgable when it comes to vehicle electrical systems....Should I check the voltage on the cables or on the battery itself while at Idle? I checked the voltage (on the battery) last night while it was running after I got the jump and returned home it was at about between 11.9-12.3 if I remember correctly

does this mean the alternator is bad?

Thanks for the replies

Oct 11, 2009 | 02:27 PM

Nick 99

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From: La Mesa, Ca.

The voltage between the battery posts should be about 14.2 to 14.8 volts DC. I would say your alternator is bad. Check both batteries. let us know what you get.

Oct 11, 2009 | 02:51 PM

clintbonnie

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

I agree with Nick.. You could also double check the condition of your alternator and electrical system by driving to a major auto part store where most of them can check it for free.. If you alternator is bad, it would be a good idea to replace your drive belt at the same if it has not been change in few years..
We can help you to replace that alt here on the forum.. pretty easy job..

Oct 11, 2009 | 06:40 PM

CptSD

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Thanks for your help everyone...I can't work on it today because I am on a 24hr shift but I will let you all know tomorrow if I get it fixed or I will be back for more help. lol!