2004 F250 Diesel Charging Problems
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
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2004 F250 Diesel Charging Problems
I have an intermittent issue with Charging. Battery light on dash goes on and off and a couple times I've had to jump start or charge the batteries to get it going. I've done a lot of research on this site and elsewhere and I think I might need to replace / upgrade my alternator but would like some feedback before I pull the trigger. I believe the alternator is the original 110 AMP stock alternator. I live in Florida so AC is on all the time. Here is the situation and the testing I've done.
- Batteries are both 4.5 years old
- Disconnected both batteries, thoroughly cleaned terminals and posts. Added a little bit of distilled water to one battery. Levels were slightly low but still covering plates.
- have disconnected both batteries and charged on automatic batter charger and both successfully charge.
- ran alternator test from charger and came back good.
- Checked serpentine belt and it looks good and doesn't feel loose.
Checked all the voltages as follows:
It seems like the alternator is putting out but I thought I'd see something above 14 volts while running after warming up. Since the batteries charged fine and they are reading 12.5 volts cold and I've only had to jump it one time it doesn't seem like they are a problem but they are 4.5 years old.
Any feedback on the situation would be appreciated before I start spending money on batteries and alternators. I'd also appreciate any recommendations on alternators if I need one. I think I'd upgrade to a 135, 140 or 180 AMP as I don't tow a lot these days with the truck. I see all the 200+ AMP options out there but I think that would be overkill for my needs. I think the AC is probably my biggest draw.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
- Batteries are both 4.5 years old
- Disconnected both batteries, thoroughly cleaned terminals and posts. Added a little bit of distilled water to one battery. Levels were slightly low but still covering plates.
- have disconnected both batteries and charged on automatic batter charger and both successfully charge.
- ran alternator test from charger and came back good.
- Checked serpentine belt and it looks good and doesn't feel loose.
Checked all the voltages as follows:
- Power off / cold: 12.5 volts on both batteries tested across terminal, positive terminal and body ground, alternator hot post to alternator housing, alternator hot post to both batteries negative terminals. Same 12.5 volts everywhere.
- Start Truck and test immediately: 12 volts on each battery and 12 volts at alternator.
- 5 mins after start: 13.7-13.8 volts one each battery, same at alternator and same from alternator hot post to alternator housing and to both negative battery terminals.
- With MAX AC on and headlights ON: 12.9 volts on all test spots shown above.
- With MAX AC and headlights OFF: 13.4 volts at alternator and Passenger side battery across terminals. 13.3 volts at drivers side battery across terminals.
- After idling for about 10 minutes tested at 2200 RPM: Both batteries 13.7 volts across terminals. At alternator 13.9 volts from hot post to alternator housing.
It seems like the alternator is putting out but I thought I'd see something above 14 volts while running after warming up. Since the batteries charged fine and they are reading 12.5 volts cold and I've only had to jump it one time it doesn't seem like they are a problem but they are 4.5 years old.
Any feedback on the situation would be appreciated before I start spending money on batteries and alternators. I'd also appreciate any recommendations on alternators if I need one. I think I'd upgrade to a 135, 140 or 180 AMP as I don't tow a lot these days with the truck. I see all the 200+ AMP options out there but I think that would be overkill for my needs. I think the AC is probably my biggest draw.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,371
Likes: 597
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
Have the batteries been load tested? 4.5 years is on the old side for batteries. Check the alternator for AC ripple. Set your multimeter to AC volts and read from the alternator frame to the output lug. You want to see close to 0 VAC, but up to 0.5 VAC is acceptable.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
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Pikachu, thanks for the advice. I appreciate your help. I will do the AC ripple test. That's a new one to me but I googled it and it make sense. I haven't taken the batteries in for a load test but will likely do that. I might buy new ones anyways as I know they are getting a bit old with the load the 6.0 puts on them plus the Florida heat doesn't help. I'll post back after testing.
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