Hello,
I went today and got an oil change and part of the service is testing the battery. The printout they gave me said tested "Good" but needs charging. I had just drove 30 minutes to get there so should the battery not be fully charged? The gauge on the dash is always just over the center line so it shows its charching right?
The other day I had to jump it off. I cant seem to locate anything that is draining power as I have no add ons that I did myself or anything except the bambi mod.
Seems like every year or so I am getting a battery replaced. The alternator seems to be doing its job but has never been replaced (2006 w/85,000).
The battery always tests good when I get it checked after jumping it.

Any suggestions? I tried tracing the draw of current through each fuse while the engine is off and notjing out of the norm.

Thanks, she's charging right now at 2amps.

 

I'd ask the place I had it serviced WTH they meant by that,and how did they come to that conclusion.

If the truck isn't giving you any issues starting, why worry about it? The gauges read correctly, it starts, lights are bright/don't dim, it's all good.

 

I was having problems with having to charge sometimes randomly.

 

See photo above. I checked the connections. Is there a way to test the alternator while in the truck? Still seems like the alternator is fine if it is showing above the middle on the dash gauge.

 

Forget amps you need to check charging sysyem volts. with acceserys turnd off the voltage measured at the battery at fast idle[1200rpm] should be aminamum of 14.3volts and max 15 volts and should not drop below 12.9 to 13 volts with lights on if you have V belt driving alternater make sure it is clean and tight. loose or glazed belts are a very common problem with V belts not so much with serpentine belts. if the voltage is low could be alternater, regulater or apoor conection.Bubbabud

 

What kind of battery's are you using?

 

I have used a few brands like interstate, motorcraft and energizer. They are the ones you can add water to. I went to try a red or yellow top and the shop said it didn't have enough clearance under the hood.

 

Thats weird. A shop should be able to do a draw test and test the alternator. Our shop does it. For free. haha So see if you can get them to do that.

I currently run an optima yellow top in my truck. Actually the second one. I just replaced mine again. First one lasted about four years. And i run a lot of aftermarket stuff.

 

I'll have to check around. I had it done at ford. I think they called it load testing. The yellowtop fit in the facorty position without mod?

 

Put a charge on the battery and take the battery in to a parts house for a load test.
Volts are needed, but the power is rated in amp's.
Your dash gauge is measuring voltage, and the center line is 12 volts. (I have seen batteries in cars measure over 12 volts and when the key was turned to start the car, the battery flat lined to 0.)
If the battery tests ok after a charge, take the alternator to a parts house and they will test the alternator and tell you if it is putting out the amp's needed to give a good charge. Do check the alternator connections.
Thank you for your service to our country!