northern pointer

Hello everyone.
Just passing this by you for your thoughts or ideas. The alternator on my 08 F150 5.4liter Triton died, and I replaced it with a Ford original. Now, on occasion, the battery light on the dashboard turns on for a few minutes, then eventually goes out. The battery is the original factory issue. Cable connections are tight and clean. I've installed an additional ground cable direct from the alternator to the battery, as suggested by a repair business of starters and alternators, in addition to the original grounding. Any ideas as to why the battery light would turn on then off after a few minutes? Thanks.

brad.fx4

get a volt meter and measure the voltage, anything under 12 will pretty much light it up for a time. you may have been sold a faulty alternator?

northern pointer

Volt meter shows that it's charging the system, as it's showing over 12V constantly. I can't check it when the light comes on as that's happened only when I'm on the road. Maybe I should take the volt meter with me from now on, and when it comes on next time, pop the hood and check the charging voltage at that point.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

How about the Batt itself ??

Mod (Ret.)

Is the connection to the alternator good? Is the wire green in any area, indicating a corroded wire?

leopold

You should have over 14 volts with the truck running.

brad.fx4

14 volts is steep no? im averaging 13.5ish.

05stxgr

With the truck running it should be right around 14.5 volts if the alternator is charging properly

drekhebreezy

14.5 volts is pretty high..if the alternator is putting out it'll read 13.5-14 volts..but just because it's putting out the voltage doesn't mean it's putting out the diodes..there's 2 things to look for to see if the alternator is bad..bring the battery to an auto parts store and have them check it

techrep

iTrader: (1)

If it's putting out to a bad batt it don't matter how much...