battery light
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FORD NO BAILOUT NEEDED
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From: ARKANSAS
battery light
Does anyone know what would make the battery light on the dash flicker on and off and then after 15 min or so after driving stay on continuosly. Thought it may be the alternator not charging or a short of some kind? I put a new battery put on 3 months ago also. Have not tested the output on the alternator yet just looking for a quick idea before hand. Thanks for input ahead of time.
i would suspect the alternator but first i would check all the wiring to the alternator and battery to be sure the connections are good, after that id have the alt tested. most auto parts store will test your charging system for free.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: MD
Check your serp belt to make sure it's not worn and cracked and all. If the belt slips the battery like will flash because the alternator isn't being turned. If the belt is good check the wire going from the battery to the alternator to make sure it's not loose or rusty and corroded. If both of those things are good it's probably your alternator going bad.
Check your serp belt to make sure it's not worn and cracked and all. If the belt slips the battery like will flash because the alternator isn't being turned. If the belt is good check the wire going from the battery to the alternator to make sure it's not loose or rusty and corroded. If both of those things are good it's probably your alternator going bad.
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Joined: May 2011
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OMG HEAVENS NO DO NOT DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING!
How much voltage and amperage does your alternator put out? Well you are taking a chance of sending a spike through your electrical system. I've seen it done and I've seen it fry engine controls.
Auto parts stores will check your alternator and battery for free. It sounds like your alternator is weak. It could be grounds, or the wire under the dash going to the light, but testing at an auto parts store is a start. Grounds weren't an issue on the F-150 and I've only seen the wire under the dash broken once, and that was because it was cut by mistake.
You can check the serpentine belt to make sure it's tight enough, but really it would be squealing and slipping if it wasn't.
Also, some garages will do a charging system check for free. They'll do a more thorough and experienced job at it than an auto parts store will. (typically)
How much voltage and amperage does your alternator put out? Well you are taking a chance of sending a spike through your electrical system. I've seen it done and I've seen it fry engine controls.
Auto parts stores will check your alternator and battery for free. It sounds like your alternator is weak. It could be grounds, or the wire under the dash going to the light, but testing at an auto parts store is a start. Grounds weren't an issue on the F-150 and I've only seen the wire under the dash broken once, and that was because it was cut by mistake.
You can check the serpentine belt to make sure it's tight enough, but really it would be squealing and slipping if it wasn't.
Also, some garages will do a charging system check for free. They'll do a more thorough and experienced job at it than an auto parts store will. (typically)
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FORD NO BAILOUT NEEDED
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From: ARKANSAS
Ended up being the alternator. It was only putting out 10 volts according to the test. Put a new one on along with a new tensioner assembly, light gone and charging good. And then 5 miles down the road number 2 cylinder cop goes. Gotta love it. Replaced that now we are good to go.