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I've got a 1997 F150 with 4.2 Windsor engine. I just installed a new rebuilt engine in July 2017. Since then, I've been getting an occasional battery warning light. The dial indicator shows good voltage. I checked the battery and the alternator. The alternator showed ok - but it was still installed when it was checked. The battery showed bad - it was four years old. So - I installed a new battery.
After that - I'm still getting a battery light warning - but it's pretty much staying on all the time now.
Where do i go from here? I am wondering if really do have a bad alternator or if I have a bad ground / electrical connection.
Yes to both.... be very diligent in checking/cleaning/ reattatching your cables/wires.
If it was me, id pull the alt. and take it to your local parts store and let them bench test it under load.
I would perform these two easy tests before removing the alternator and having it tested.
1. With the engine OFF - take your VOM and place the leads on your battery terminals. The voltage should be 12.5 VDC or above.
2. With the engine RUNNING - take your VOM and place the leads on your battery terminals - just like above. The voltage should read ABOVE the voltage you took with the engine OFF - probably in the neighborhood of 13.5 VDC. Why? This shows that the alternator is charging the battery - or not, if it reads the same as when the engine was off.
No matter what, check your belt and check your tensioner. Any squeaking? If squeaking could be the belt is worn or tensioner is bad.
Most likely you have a bad alternator, but I would test first.
As a side note the one thing I learned as an elevator mechanic is if you have a problem you do all your homework, troubleshooting, blood, sweat, and tears before you ask for help from the adjustor, or you got a real verbal reaming. I am not bragging, just how I play. Thanks to all who have responded and who may still respond.
As a side note the one thing I learned as an elevator mechanic is if you have a problem you do all your homework, troubleshooting, blood, sweat, and tears before you ask for help from the adjustor, or you got a real verbal reaming. I am not bragging, just how I play. Thanks to all who have responded and who may still respond.
Spammer? No I tried to give accurate information and not have to confirm all the steps I had accomplished being a repeat of old information. If you think I am a spammer, report me.
Spammer? No I tried to give accurate information and not have to confirm all the steps I had accomplished being a repeat of old information. If you think I am a spammer, report me.
Who is this "adjustor" you're asking help from? Sorry, but what you've said is not relevant.
09-17-2018, 03:15 PM
Battery Warning Light
