Attention all Gearheads!

  • roosterrouster
    Inactive
    The "IGH"...
    Posts: 2092
    October 3, 2012 at 3:47 pm #1279091

    (And I say “gearheads” with all due respect cause I wish I was one!)

    2003 F-150…A couple weekends ago the battery light lit up on my dashboard. Turned the engine off and restarted it and it went away…

    Fast forward to last night. Daughter came home and parked in driveway. I went to move it (because as per usual she parked right in my way!) and the engine wouldn’t turn over. All I got was that dreaded “clicking” noise. I jumped the truck w/ other car and took it for a ride around the block. Lights seemed to be a bit dim. Took it back and threw the charger on the battery all night. Full charge in morning and truck started fine. Bring it to Napa to run a quick diagnostic on the alternator? Battery is 1 year old. Thoughts gentlemen??? Thanks! RR

    (And if it is the alternator can an average joe do that job?)

    hookem
    Hastings,Minn.
    Posts: 1027
    October 3, 2012 at 3:54 pm #1102701

    I would get the altrnator checked for sure. Fairly easy job to replace. About a hour or so.

    Brian Hoffies
    Land of 10,000 taxes, potholes & the politically correct.
    Posts: 6843
    October 3, 2012 at 3:54 pm #1102702

    Not a gearhead but the gearhead blood in me says alternator. Tons of videos on-line these days, should be one that shows how to do it. Then you can decide if you want to do it yourself.

    wade
    Cottage Grove, MN
    Posts: 1737
    October 3, 2012 at 3:55 pm #1102703

    Sounds like a bad alternator

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22558
    October 3, 2012 at 4:05 pm #1102705

    Yep, get it running. Check your alt gauge, should be at about 14 volts. Turn air on high, radio, run a window up and down, does the alt needle drop ? There is your test

    david_scott
    Twin Cities
    Posts: 2946
    October 3, 2012 at 4:10 pm #1102708

    Put a volt meter on it before its running and check what the voltage reads. Have someone turn the key to see what it drops to when the starter is engaged to make sure it doesnt go too low(most elec systems need min 11V to start). Once the truck is started read the voltage at idle and it should be higher than what it was before running. Have someone rev and hold the engine at about 2500 rpm’s and make sure the voltage goes up or holds steady, if it goes down your alternator is likely cooked. Under any circumstance make sure you have the parts tested before replacing them.

    Batteries do go bad. Most auto parts stores can run load test on them. They can also test alternators out of the vehicle. I just had a 1 year old Interstate go bad… It happens. You may just have a dead cell in your battery or low water. Check the water level if its not maint free and add distilled water if its low.

    roosterrouster
    Inactive
    The "IGH"...
    Posts: 2092
    October 3, 2012 at 4:23 pm #1102709

    Wow! Thanks guys! RR

    kroger3
    blaine mn
    Posts: 1116
    October 3, 2012 at 4:23 pm #1102710

    Alternator. When you purchase a new one have the new one bench tested BEFORE you leave the store no matter how much they say you don’t need to! I have been burned in the past by installing a new alternator to find out it is bad as well and you sit there scratching your head for hours because you assume the new one is good.

    deerdragger
    Posts: 346
    October 3, 2012 at 5:15 pm #1102723

    And FYI – replacing an alternator on that particular rig is about as easy as it gets. Right on top, no challenges at all. Depending on your mileage, I might suggest replacing the serp belt at the same time. They’re cheap.

    mark-bruzek
    Two Harbors, MN
    Posts: 3875
    October 3, 2012 at 8:53 pm #1080505

    Quote:

    Alternator. When you purchase a new one have the new one bench tested BEFORE you leave the store no matter how much they say you don’t need to! I have been burned in the past by installing a new alternator to find out it is bad as well and you sit there scratching your head for hours because you assume the new one is good.

    x2

    Huntindave
    Shell Rock Iowa
    Posts: 3092
    October 3, 2012 at 10:08 pm #1102772

    Might also be as simple as the cable connection. Pull the cables and check for oxidation. The surfaces should be bright shiny clean for maximum electrical flow. Clean the connections and then recheck your voltages as suggested above. Also apply a light coating of dielectric grease when reinstalling the cables. The dielectric grease will keep them clean.

    Geerdes
    Brandon, SD 57005
    Posts: 791
    October 3, 2012 at 11:43 pm #1102789

    Similar problem with my 07 a couple months ago. I would definatley say alternator. I had mine rebuilt. Much cheaper than new. Good Luck

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    October 4, 2012 at 12:01 am #1102794

    My alternator went out on my 08 last spring if I recall. I changed it myself. If I can change one out, ANYONE can. I have NO mechanical ability. Took the breather off the top for clearance, loosened the belt and out it came.

    weldon
    Rochester, Mn
    Posts: 304
    October 4, 2012 at 3:43 am #1102829

    Replace serpentine belt AND IDLER PULLY at the same time.

    foofer
    Posts: 21
    October 4, 2012 at 4:21 pm #1102932

    fyi make sure it is distilled water if you own a dehumidifer the water in the holding tank is distilled

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