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Battery Light on Dash

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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 09:05 AM
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Question Battery Light on Dash

The battery light on my dash will come on intermittently. Seems to be completely random times. I've never noticed any pattern whatsoever. I've taken it to AutoZone to have them check the battery, it checks out fine. I've even taken it to the dealership. The dealership tells me that there must be a short in the dash light (or something like that, it was like a year ago that I went). The cost to replace the light was ridiculous-because they have to take the whole dash off.

My question is, has anybody else had this issue and what did you do to solve it?
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 09:08 AM
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Also, my current solution is a piece of black electrical tape that covers the light. :-)
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 09:48 AM
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You need not take apart the whole dash...just remove the cluster...I doubt that's your problem though...any code when the batt light comes on ?? gotta be either the alt or the batt or something they connect to that is the cause for your batt light.
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 11:51 AM
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How many miles on tour truck?
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 01:17 PM
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Had that problem but it only lasted for about 2-3 days then my alt went out.
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 01:38 PM
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I was just going to say, it's your alternator. That what happened to me a few months back. Light would come and go intermittently.
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 09:33 PM
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I agree with the other guys... Alternator. The 6G alternators on these trucks are known to go out anywhere from 80k-120k miles depending on how the truck is driven. The main failure of these units are a severly worn brush or a scored brush contact on the rotor itself ( which usually ruins the rotor). If the truck is running when the battery light comes on, simply give the alternator case a light tap with a ratchet or similar tool and the brush will make contact again. But when it comes to this extent, be on the lookout for an alternator shop or parts store. I dont trust aftermarket alternators, I always rather find an rebuilder or buy the parts and build it myself ( same goes for my starters).
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Old Jan 23, 2013 | 10:21 PM
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Atleast it is an easy fix. im not much on working on trucks and it only took me about 30 min in the snow in front of orileys borrowing thier tools to remove and replace mine. just take off the intake shroud get a tentioner tool to remove the serpintine belt take off the 2 bolts on the top and the 2 bolts on the bottom. then remove the nut on the back of the alt and pull the other connector off bam do everything in reverse and your money.
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 01:38 PM
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I have about 106,000 miles. It's been going on now for about a year. I've been expecting something to go out for a year now, but nothing yet. Never had any codes or anything. It's a strange thing.
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Old Jan 24, 2013 | 02:13 PM
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Same issue here. Ended up going thru 3 versions of aftermarket new and reman alternators before I broke down and rebuilt my old one. Save yourself the trouble and rebuild it yourself. Order the bearings and regulator kit and install. Parts are like $60. All 3 of the new or reman alternators kept setting off the dash light. Has something to do with the regulators they use not exactly meeting truck specs. Go here for parts: http://aspwholesale.com/. Not affiliated with them in any way. Just a site I found very useful in determining part numbers and correct internal parts. Found them on google.
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