Charging issues
 

2001 f150 Scab 5.4l 4wd

Truck has been parked for about 2 years. Recently got it running and getting it back on the road. I jumped the truck off with my 08 f150 and the truck would die as soon as I took the cables off. I replaced the battery and all was fine for a few days (truck has not been driven down the road just around our property). I noticed the battery light was on after replacing battery. The new battery is dead and I can jump the truck off and it'll start and run for a few minutes. The voltmeter gauge on the dash is buried at "L". I've checked the #11 20a fuse under the hood and it is fine. I wanted to get opinions before I remove the alternator and take it to have it tested. If the alternator is bad I would like to upgrade to something higher than 130a (suggestions?). Do you guys think it's the alternator or maybe something else. Thanks in advance for your help

Alternator is bad, you drove a few days and ran the battery down. Its not charging. Take off and take in. No other suggestions for upsizing.

Thank you, I was under the impression it was the alternator but wanted another opinion

Check the wiring that go to the alternator first before you take it off. Especially if it's been sitting for a while, mice like to chew the wires or it could have lost a good connection or whatever.

As for upgrades, you can go all the way up to 250 amps, but you'll most likely never use that much, a stock is probably fine. I personally run powermaxUSA 250 amp alternators in 2 of my trucks and after 3 years, still never had an issue. I just got mine off ebay for a couple hundred bucks.

Thanks for all the help, ordered a new alternator and installed it today! After a jump it's running and charging like a champ

It's VERY easy to test the alt, - A caveman could do it with his tongue. I'd check the dedicated in line fuse and holder as well..common problem.

I recommend buying a new battery every 3 days :D

Just trying to be different.

So was I, but no interest was in doing this correctly. Somethings up, how could he know if everything is perfect and not know if it was bad before hand ? Yea, very fishy and useless IMO. All he did was get lucky, but it worked!..this time. Congrates! -Play the lotto :thumbsup: