My 1999 Ford F-250 with the 7.3 Liter Powerstrong Diesel engine has ~150,000 miles on it and runs like a top. However, yesterday, out of no where, the little red auto battery light indicator popped on and will not go off. The powerstroke comes with dual batteries and a heavy duty alternator. I have replaced the batteries at least 2 times (maybe 3) over the life of the vehicle, but never the alternator. Have replaced the serpentine belt when I changed out the water pump. While I was driving it yesterday, the HVAC went from cold strong to a weak vent fan....THEN I noticed the battery light. Thinking my alternator was going out, I killed the HVAC and headed immediately for home to switch vehicles. Made it okay and expecting it not to crank back up when I killed it, but it did. HVAC also worked okay too...lights, etc. But that damn battery light is still on. Ideas? Alternator???? Anyone? Thanks!
2007-08-28 03:02:16 · 4 answers · asked by gato_del_sol_3 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
That light has a fuse feeding one side and the other side of the bulb goes to the voltage regulator. It's function is to tell regulator when the key is on, so the regulator can energize the field in the alternator. If the alternator fails, it will ground that wire, causing the light to come on in the dash. So, basically it should have a picture of an alternator, not a battery! By the way, there is a screw on the back of the regulator that says ground here to test. You may may wish to try that, it simply by-passes the regulator and full fields the alternator for test purposes. If it charges when grounding that screw, it is entirely likely that the brushes are simply worn out, and since those are a part of the regulator assy, just replacing the regulator will fix it. For way less money than a new alternator, for darn sure.
2007-08-28 13:23:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not a battery light, its a battery charge indicator/alternator light. Your alternator has probably gone dead but you need someone thats knows duel battery systems to properly diagnose it. but with what you said and the vehicle being 8 years old, remove the alternator and take it to a parts house and test it
2007-08-28 03:07:21 · answer #2 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very funny that they would use a battery symbol when the light really means a charging system malfunction. I am willing to bet the alternator has turned in its notice. Time to get a new one.
2007-08-28 03:06:44 · answer #3 · answered by Jody D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alternator, loose fan belt, relay. Check your fan belt first, then take it to an auto electrician. They can tell you quick smart whether it's the alternator or relay.
2007-08-28 03:08:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋