Hey, folks. My son was sitting in the front seat of my 08 F150 and stuck the end of my phone charger into another 12V plug-in, causing a small spark. While we waited out some rain at the playground, I started it a couple times to warm us up. When I went to leave later it acted like it didn't want to start. Battery is new. I stopped at a store and needed a jump to get started, then noticed my charge gauge dropping and lights getting dim. I made it home and revved it up and the lights (ABS and Battery) went off and the gauge returned to normal. Took a spin around the block and same thing happened. I'm hoping it's an easy solution like a fuse, but all the searching and reading I've done over the last few hours is saying to replace the alternator. I'm no mechanic, but that seems a little extreme. If anyone has any ideas I'd greatly appreciate it as I don't have $200 at this time. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

Have your alternator tested,sounds like you need one.

 

may have fried the voltage regulator in the alternator.

 

Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

 

I see videos showing how to change the regulator, but can't find one online at any stores nearby. Is there another name I can search? I'd like to check that before I have to spend for an alternator.

 

Found some on the bay, but that's not gonna help me today.

 

Why not just install a new alternator? Not a horrible job to do and doesn't cost a ton of money either.

 

he don't have the money right now is what he posted...

 

Well, it looks like that's what I'll end up doing. Had to scrounge up the cash but I can't wait until Tuesday for a voltage regulator from the bay. I'll report back on the fix. Thanks again guys!

 

Swapped out the alternator, seems good now. Not bad at all, except for the moolah lol.