Starting problem, gauges went dead
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New User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Florida
Starting problem, gauges went dead
I have a 98 F150 with a 5.4. Last night we had to crank it twice to get it started. After driving about 5 mins, all the idiot lights starting coming on one by one, then the gauges all quit working and last the dashboard and headlights went very dim to the point of almost being off. Fortunately we made it home but once off it would not start and nothing electrical would work. Any help ASAP would be greatly appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: Western North Carolina
Sounds like the alternator is dead. Disconnect the Negative (-) battery cable and remove the alternator, fairly easy. Two (2) bolts and it's off. Take it to your local auto parts store and ask them to test the alternator. If it is bad, buy a new or rebuilt alternator, take it back home with you and install it. Then reconnect the battery negative (-) cable. Start the truck.
You may need to have the battery charged prior to starting the truck as it sounds like the battery ran out of juice after the alternator died. A jump start may do it, but it is best to give the battery a slow charge.
You may need to have the battery charged prior to starting the truck as it sounds like the battery ran out of juice after the alternator died. A jump start may do it, but it is best to give the battery a slow charge.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
Cannot over-emphasize that he test and CHARGE THE BATTERY before just replacing the alternator.
Yes, the alternator has not been charging and is probably be bad. If you put a new alternator in there with a very discharged battery, you run a significant risk of damaging the new alternator.
Yes, the alternator has not been charging and is probably be bad. If you put a new alternator in there with a very discharged battery, you run a significant risk of damaging the new alternator.
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