What are the symptoms of a bad alternator in a Ford F250?

It’s the labor that makes the job expensive. Here are the most common symptoms of a bad alternator in a Ford F250: The battery light is designed to tell you that there is not enough voltage to properly charge the battery, or that the battery itself is not holding the proper voltage. In rare occasions the service engine soon light may light up.

Why does the battery light come on after the alternator is replaced?

This would make the Battery Light come on. It is also possible that there is a problem with the fusible link or the alternator fuse for the charging system.

What should the volts be on my F250?

Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your F250 turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. You’ll then touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire. With the engine off, you should get a reading somewhere between 12.0 volts and 12.6 volts.

Do you need an alternator for a 12 volt car?

If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13’s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. It’s probably bad.

What should voltage be on Ford PowerStroke alternator?

Awesome. Pulled over on the side of the road to make sure no connections had come loose and everything looked okay and I drove home (3 miles). Got home and checked the voltage on the alternator (red lead to threaded stud on back of alternator, black to grounding point on the fender) and it was reading 12v or less.

What kind of battery does a Ford PowerStroke have?

As I pulled away from an intersection at 3/4 throttle, I hit ~3800 rpms and just as the truck was shifting into 3rd gear my battery light came on and stayed on. I looked down at my ScanGaugeII and it was showing 11.8v.

Why is the battery light on on my Ford truck?

Took the truck out for a spin the other night and figured I’d get into it a little and clear everything out since it’d been sitting for a few days. As I pulled away from an intersection at 3/4 throttle, I hit ~3800 rpms and just as the truck was shifting into 3rd gear my battery light came on and stayed on.

Why is my alternator not charging on my new car?

The alt was not the problem. Changed the power wire to a 6 awg wire high strand count ran it straight to the batt. Replaced the 2 wire connector that talks to the computer. Now low side is 14.2 volts high side is 14.6 volts. Very happy with the new alt.

What to do if your alternator is not working?

Start your vehicle and have someone check the headlights. With the vehicle in “park” mode, press the accelerator pedal. If the headlights dim in intensity or turn off altogether, the problem is with the alternator. If not, the alternator is probably doing its job fine.

Can a bad car battery cause an alternator to not charge?

In theory a car can run only with the alternator charge, but this can cause heavy voltage spikes and other strange symptoms so this means that a bad car battery can cause an alternator to not charge also. Cars are increasingly coming with modern electronics.

What happens when the alternator of a car is dead?

The alternator and the car’s battery work hand in hand. A good battery should give you service for the next five years before its lifespan ends. If your battery is dead, then it will not give power to the car’s alternator. The alternator normally lasts longer than the battery.

Where is the alternator on a Ford F-250?

This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014, and the F-250, F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014). The alternator is located at the front of your engine. It works with your Ford F-150 or F-250 Super Duty’s battery to generate power for your electrical components. Dim lights and flickering gauges are a sign of failing alternator.

What happens when an alternator fails on a Ford truck?

It works with your Ford F-150 or F-250 Super Duty’s battery to generate power for your electrical components. Dim lights and flickering gauges are a sign of failing alternator. When the alternator completely fails, your truck could start slowly or not start at all.

How do you remove an alternator from a truck?

Use a bungee cord to hold the belt with tension so it does not fall off. Place one hook on the belt and hook the other end at a convenient place on the front of the truck or grill. Loosen or remove two 10mm bolts on the bottom of the alternator.

What causes a battery light to go out in a Ford truck?

FOUND IT! I had checked Fuse #6 under the hood which was suppose to be for the alternator and it was fine, but I never checked #7 (secondary alternator) because my truck isnt equipped with the secondary alternator. However I pulled #7 today (5 amp) and it was blown. Replaced it and the light went out.

My multimeter reads 13.5v on both batteries with the truck off, 12.5v on. Replaced the alternator, still same results. What else can I check to get this stupid light off???

What’s the battery voltage on a Ford F-350?

I wanted to get back to you regarding the issue with the Ford F-350 6.7 diesel with a battery light. I found the problem. I unplugged the 3 pin plug at the alternator and checked for battery voltage on the red 18 gauge wire, it measured 9.0 volts with the truck off.

When does the battery light come on on a Ford truck?

Battery light comes on approx 10 seconds after starting truck and stays lit. New Have Ford questions? Ask a mechanic for answers ASAP By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. 2013 Ford F-350 6.7 L diesel. Battery light comes on approx…

Why is the battery light still on after a new alternator?

So, now truck has new alternator and battery BUT battery light is still staying on. I had them check both and they said, new battery and alt showing good. I know all of the connections are tight and I checked the fuses inside the truck and all are good.

When to replace the alternator on a Kia Sorento?

What’s the voltage of the alternator on a 2002 Ford Reman?

Do not measure voltage at idle after start-up as a “Test” of the alternator, it will be on the low end. 2002, f250, 7.3, 395K miles. Replaced OEM alternator for preventive maintenance twice. Latest Ford reman voltage never gets above 14 volts and after 30 minutes measures 13.3-13.5 volts and can get as low as 13.1.

How can I tell if my alternator is still running?

The negative battery cable will have a (-) symbol stamped on the negative side of the battery. If the engine is still running after you have removed the negative battery cable, then the alternator output is good. Put the negative battery cable back onto the battery post.

What should the voltage be on my alternator?

Undre “normal” driving conditions, the alternator output should be 13.6Vdc (min) and 14.2Vdc (max). Do not measure voltage at idle after start-up as a “Test” of the alternator, it will be on the low end. 2002, f250, 7.3, 395K miles. Replaced OEM alternator for preventive maintenance twice.

What happens if the alternator on a Ford F-350 goes bad?

The alternator on the Ford F-350 keeps the battery charged and the engine running. Once the alternator starts to go bad, the battery will become weaker and weaker until it can no longer crank the engine. Signs of a weak alternator are dim headlights and slow engine starting.

Is the Ford 7.3 TSB A dual alternator?

There’s a REASON for the Ford TSB regarding high-output alternators on the 7.3. And the REASON coincides with why the factory dual-alternator option does not produce full output while the glow plugs are on. Both single and dual alternator systems have the same characteristics while the glow plugs are on.

Is it OK to use a 7.3 alternator?

A 7.3 with a stock output alternator is fine. Batteries have a long life. Glow plugs don’t fail and destroy engines. 7.3’s have accumulated 10’s of millions of miles with stock alternators. High output alternators will force the glow plugs to operate at voltages higher than what they operate at with stock alternators.

Is the Ford 7.3 alternator controlled by PCM?

Ford even has high output alterntors for some Applications. The only pcm controlled function on the 7.3 and 6.0 is to keep both alternators from trying to keep up with the Gp demand andnit could very well be to keep the drag down. But you just cant argue with facts.

Can a bad battery cause an alternator to over charge?

Make sure that all the connections to the alternator, remote voltage regulator (if applicable) and battery are clean, tight and in good condition. Check your battery or have it tested at your local auto parts store. A bad battery cell can cause the alternator to over-charge the good battery cells.

Is the alternator at the heart of the charging system?

Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology. The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways.

What should I do if my alternator is not charging?

The alternator normally lasts longer than the battery. There are some easy steps you can go through to check the function of your alternator. Tap the alternator carefully with a hammer while the engine is runnin; if the charging goes back to normal, the coals inside it are worn out.

Why is my Ford F-150 not charging?

Please try again later. On many Fords the alternator has a ‘smart charge system’ that regulates the output of the alternator to ensure the battery is being charged efficiently, reducing emissions and improving performance. So let’s come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he diagnoses this F-150 that came in with a no charge condition.

How do you remove an alternator on a Ford truck?

You’ll have to remove the serpentine belt before you can remove the alternator. This is where a friend is needed. You’ll have to crawl under the truck and use a 3/8″ ratchet to rotate the tensioner and remove tension from the belt to remove it.

Where is the alternator located on a Honda Accord?

There are (2) 8mm bolts up inside the wheel well, (2) 8mm bolts under the the front lip (under the headlight), and (4) bolts under the outer lip of the fender (I used a 7/32″ socket on these). You’ll have to remove the serpentine belt before you can remove the alternator. This is where a friend is needed.

What does it mean when your alternator is not working?

Keep reading to find out about car problems potentially caused by the alternator. If the alternator’s output goes below or above a pre-set limit, then your car’s warning dash light will come on. In most vehicles, it looks like a battery. Baloon111/ThinkStock

What does the alt light on an alternator mean?

In most cases the light is shaped like a battery, though some show “ALT” or “GEN,” meaning alternator or generator, respectively. (In some older cars, the alternator is referred to as a generator, which may be helpful to know if you’re looking through the owner’s manual or a shop manual.)

What to do if you have no lights on your dashboard?

if you discover you have no lights on your car’s dashboard or dash and can no longer see the gauges at night, here are the top 4 things you can do to repair the problem yourself. if none of the 4 solutions work I provided a fifth and totally redneck solution too.

Can a single wire alternator turn off the charge indicator?

Since a single wire alternator no longer requires the exciter (IE the brown wire supplied in our Classic Update and universal kits) feed responsible turning off an in-dash charge indicator light, many users find out their quick and easy alternator swap has removed some of the functionality from their car.

Headlights are dim or flickering Flickering or dim headlights are a strong signal that your alternator may not be working correctly. The alternator provides power to the headlights, so the flickering usually means the alternator is struggling to perform.

Why does my Ford F-250 Super Duty stop working?

2008 f 250 super duty changed relays starter battery checked fuses instrument cluster etc… Same problem not fixed 9 people found this helpful. 2003 F350 Super Duty…instrument panel quit working but interior lights, radio, windows all still work. All fuses are good, battery is good. Any ideas? 75 people found this helpful.

How do you check the alternator on a Ford?

Start the engine of the Ford. Open the hood and prop it up. Place the dial of the digital multimeter on the DC volts setting; the alternator puts out electricity in direct current as opposed to alternating current. Touch the negative lead of the multimeter on the negative terminal of the battery or to any engine ground that you can find.

What kind of alternator did a 1985 Ford F350 have?

Wiring of an old Ford Truck externally regulated alternator. This is from a 1985 Ford F350 with the 6.9L diesel engine. Wiring of an old Ford Truck externally regulated alternator. This is from a 1985 Ford F350 with the 6.9L diesel engine. Skip navigation Sign in Search Loading… Close This video is unavailable.

How do you get an alternator back in place?

You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Be sure to hold loose wires or the serpentine belt out of the way as you get it into place. Be careful not to trap any wiring behind the alternator as you slide it into place.

What causes an alternator to go over base voltage?

If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.

How to know if your alternator is working properly?

1 Check the drive belt or serpentine belt. Look for signs of wear or damage like cuts, shiny spots or missing chunks under the belt. 2 Also, check the belt tensioner for proper operation and damage. It should rotate freely. 3 Make sure the alternator is properly mounted. 4 Check the alternator for noises.

What happens when the diodes in an alternator go bad?

Alternators use diodes to rectify alternating current produced by the alternator into direct current. When one or more diodes go bad, the alternator can cause all kinds of problems. AC voltage leak can cause your lights to dim and drain power from your battery, for example.

Can a burned out voltage regulator stop a car?

A burned-out voltage regulator will diminish the vehicle battery’s ability to charge or stop it altogether. You will quickly find the vehicle unable to start due to a dead battery. If the battery is recharged, the vehicle will start, although the faulty voltage regulator will only cause the battery to lose power rapidly.

What are the symptoms of a bad voltage regulator?

Symptoms of a Bad Voltage Regulator 1 Dimming or Pulsing Lights. A damaged or failed voltage regulator can rapidly diminish the alternator’s ability to cycle power from the battery. 2 Dead Battery. A burned-out voltage regulator will diminish the vehicle battery’s ability to charge or stop it altogether. 3 Unpredictable Engine Performance. …

What happens if the alternator is not working?

The alternator charges your battery while you drive. If your alternator fails, your battery doesn’t charge and eventually dies. How long will a car run without an alternator? If your alternator isn’t working, your car can barely do more than start before you begin losing power.

What kind of alternator does a 17 F250 have?

On my 17 F250 with the 6.2 and upfitter switches, you got you an “extra heavy duty alternator” and dual batteries. I assume that is not the case any longer? Quick alternator question. I’m going to order a 21 this week with the 7.3 and upfitter switches, what alternator does that come with and is it only a single battery?

Are there dual alternators for Ford Super Duty?

Advanced search… I was looking at my window sticker, and as I may have mentioned before, I missed one thing on my order last year. I had intended to get dual alternators, but I missed that option on the order sheet. I also did not upgrade the single alternator.

Is the 6.7 dual alternator only a single battery?

The 6.7 dual alternator setup has one on each side of the engine. I would think that the output of your single alternator is listed on the window sticker. Quick alternator question. I’m going to order a 21 this week with the 7.3 and upfitter switches, what alternator does that come with and is it only a single battery?

Are there two alternators in a Ford 397?

I would agree with you that the 397 is actually 2 separate alternators and not one (would be handy if they were both the same for repair reasons) It is the option I chose on my original build and when I opened the hood there were 2 next to each other (7.3) as well as a battery on each side of the engine bay.

What causes a 7.3 Powerstroke to overheat?

Several things can cause your 7.3 to overheat. Rusted thermostat, worn or perforated radiator, a failed 7.3 water pump, running the wrong or bad coolant, and/or a broken engine cooling fan. The 7.3 fuel bowl heater element sits at the bottom of the fuel bowl.

Where is the fuel Bowl Heater on a 7.3 diesel?

The 7.3 fuel bowl heater element sits at the bottom of the fuel bowl. A common problem with it, especially as your Powerstroke ages, is that it can blow the maxi fuse and/or fail or short itself out. When that happens it disables the PCM–Powertrain Control Module.

Which is the best alternator for a 6.0 Powerstroke?

Choosing the right alternator for your 6.0 Powerstroke can be a difficult endeavor. Seeing as the electrical system components on a 6.0 are very sensitive to proper voltage, you definitely want to make the right choice.

Where can I get a Ford 6G alternator?

One route you can go is to go to a supplier that offers to old Ford 6G alternator, which is the same alternator in a bigger casing. In 1999, Ford went to a small case (such as the options above) to save space in the engine bay, among other reasons.

What kind of transmission does a Ford 5R110W have?

Ford 5R110W Technical Information The Ford 5R110W transmission is a 5 speed computer controlled transmission with lock-up torque converter clutch. It was first introduced in 2003 model year Ford F series trucks and then International CF trucks in 2004, and the Ford LFC trucks in 2005. In “cold mode” (under 5 deg. F.) the unit shifts 1-2-3-4-6.

Can a bad alternator leave a Ford F250 without power?

A bad alternator can leave your Ford F250 without power and unable to move. Alternators don’t always go bad in the exact same way. We’ll cover the symptoms of when an alternator goes bad, and how to diagnose a bad one (which is really pretty easy).

What causes the alternator warning light to flash?

An alternator that is on its way out may cause this warning light to flash when there is a high demand on the battery. You can always save yourself a lot of trouble by paying attention to warning signs like this and trying to conserve your car’s battery.

Is it safe to drive with the alternator warning light on?

Is it safe to drive with the alternator warning light on? When this light is illuminated, your car is still somewhat safe to drive as you will have enough battery power to run the engine.

How to diagnose an alternator or electrical problem?

Diagnosing alternator problems can be a bit tricky because the electrical system in a car comes from two places, the battery and the alternator. I’ll give you a little background so you can understand what both systems do. The battery has one primary function, which is to start the car.

What do the warning lights on a Ford car mean?

Not all warning lights indicate a massive, immediate problem with your car. Each Ford instrument cluster is loaded with warning lights and notifications, and not all are bad. Knowing what your dashboard is trying to tell you may prevent that panic attack the next time a warning light flips on.

Are there any problems with Ford Superduty 6.4L Powerstroke?

Most 6.4L Powerstroke Problems are attributed to a poor factory design and new emissions devices. Here’s a list of the most common issues found on 2008-2010 Ford Superduty trucks with the 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel engine. 13 Common 6.4L Powerstroke Problems. Oil Dilution; Leaking Radiator; Poor Fuel Economy; Clogged Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

Why does my Ford p0625 light come on when idle?

If you have over 14 volts at idle it is charging but the light will come on under 3 conditions. The first being the output voltage of the alternator is lower than or the same as the battery voltage. The second is that the field coil voltage is lower than the battery voltage.

What does p0625 mean on Ford Power Stroke nation?

When scanning with my Livewire I get the code p0625. Has anyone else had this problem. Can I assume my alternator is going bad? And the truck has no hesitation on startup. Description: The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the generator circuits and sets this DTC when the PCM detects a concern.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator. As the alternator can no longer supply your F250 with an adequate power supply, it will begin to feed off of the reserve in the battery.

What does Smart Charge system on Ford F-150 do?

On many Fords the alternator has a ‘smart charge system’ that regulates the output of the alternator to ensure the battery is being charged efficiently, reducing emissions and improving performance. So let’s come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as he diagnoses this F-150 that came in with a no charge condition.

How can I tell if my alternator is charging the battery?

Use your multimeter (if you don’t have one get one). Turn it to dc volts put your leads on your battery (with the car running), if your alternator is charging it should read from 13.5V-14.5V (thats a good charge). If your not getting a reading from there you can check your output from your alternator.

Can you drive a car with a faulty alternator?

Faulty diodes can easily be replaced, but you will need to dismantle the alternator. It is impossible to drive the car with a faulty alternator. While it is the work of the battery to power the electrical components in the car, it cannot do this alone.

What should the charge voltage be on an alternator?

Turn on the high beams for 10 seconds and then turn them off. Measure battery voltage across the battery posts with your DMM. You should get between 12.4 and 12.6V. This means your battery is fully charged. If you get a reading below 12.4V, charge the battery before continuing. 5b. Measure the Charging System’s No-Load Voltage

What causes an alternator to run very hot?

Alternator running very hot. ABS pump not an issue, pulled the fuse and have the same result. Alternator running hot to the point where you cannot touch it and this is my third alternator. Have installed one new battery and everything was good for an hour then it seemed that something cut-in and now running hot again.

What kind of alternator does a Ford F-250 use?

F250 performance alternators with an output of 13.5 to 14.8 volts keep your battery charged and run your electrical systems to charge your electronics. They also ensure your lights and power doors and windows always work.

What does it mean when your alternator stops charging the battery?

Indicator Light On. Usually, the first sign that your charging system is in trouble is a “battery,” “ALT,” or “CHARGE” warning light illuminating on your instrument panel while driving. It means that for some reason, the alternator has stopped charging the battery and your car is running on battery power.

Why is the battery light not coming on?

Its charging at a beautiful 14.5 volts at idle. Go to take for a test drive and to my dismay, Link is saying 12 volts… and still again, NO battery lights. Bring home and cant find anything wrong, alt plug is plugged in fully and the fuse is good.

How can you tell if your car charger is in trouble?

Usually, the first sign that your charging system is in trouble is a “battery,” “ALT,” or “CHARGE” warning light illuminating on your instrument panel while driving. It means that for some reason, the alternator has stopped charging the battery and your car is running on battery power.

Why is the battery light on on my 4.6L?

Broken wire coming off the alternator. It may not look broken but it could be broke inside the insulation. That was the story with my 4.6L. The battery light would come on and off, wiggled the single grey wire and it would turn the light on and off.

How can I tell if my car charging system is not working?

It’s usually easy to know when the charging system isn’t generating enough power — just look at the warning light or gauge. If the light or gauge is not working, the battery will discharge to alert you of a potential problem. The charging system should also be checked if the engine cranks slowly or if dim headlights brighten upon acceleration.

What happens when an alternator goes bad in a car?

From GPS systems to lights, the alternator supplies power for them all. If the alternator is faulty, a lot of electrical devices in your car will stop running. When it happens, it is time for you to replace the alternator with a new one. The following symptoms will give you an idea of what’s gone wrong, check them now: 1. Dim lights

What should the voltage of an alternator be?

The number should be around 12,6 Volts. Then start the engine and inspect the voltage again in a very careful way. If the alternator has a good health and still changes the battery, the minimum number is about 14,2 Volts. If voltage is good, turn on the radio, heater, headlights and interior lights, and any other electrical devices.

Why does my alternator make a weird noise?

The next in the list of bad alternator symptoms is weird noises. After operating for quite a long time, the serpentine belt could have stretched and may not be spinning the alternator pulley efficiently, resulting in a lack of charge. Typically this leads to a weird sound.

What happens if you have a bad alternator in your car?

The car won’t start at all. If the problem is a bad alternator, your car will slowly lose power. You’ll be driving down the road, your lights will dim, and you’ll lose power and die. If the problem is with your battery, then you’ll generally only have trouble starting your car since that’s the battery’s main function.

How to test the alternator on a 4.6L Ford?

CASE 1: Your multimeter registered 14 to 14.5 Volts from the start of the test to the end of the test: This test result lets you know that the alternator on your 4.6L or 5.4L Ford car, pick up, or SUV is working like it should. No further testing is required.

What to do if you have a bad alternator?

The following tests can help you ascertain the actual defective part: Allow the engine to run and remove the negative cable of your vehicle’s battery. If you notice the automobile stalling, the problem is with the alternator. Otherwise, the problem lies with the battery. Start your vehicle and have someone check the headlights.

What do you need to know about the alternator test?

ALTERNATOR TEST 3: Checking The Alternator Fuse. Symptoms Of A Bad Alternator. Related Test Articles. The battery on your Ford (or Lincoln or Mercury) vehicle must be fully charged for this test since you’ll need to have the vehicle with the engine running. Also, you can use a digital or analog multimeter.

What should the voltage be on a Ford alternator?

Read the voltage on the multimeter. It should read 12V. If you are getting 12 volts, and the alternator isn’t putting out between 13.7 and 14.7V, then the alternator is bad and needs to be replaced. If the connector you just checked isn’t putting out 12V, then the alternator is most likely good, and the issue lies in the electrical wiring.

What happens when the alternator fails on a Ford Focus?

by Shayrgo Barazi. The alternator on your Ford is an electrical generator that recharges the battery while the car is on to power the ignition and electrical systems. When the alternator fails, the vehicle will shut off because the ignition system ceases to obtain a sufficient amount of electrical current to keep the engine running.

How do you replace a serpentine belt on an alternator?

With your new alternator in, tighten or re-install your 10mm lower mounting bolts, then replace the serpentine belt as you control the tension of your tensioner pulley. Be sure to confirm that the belt is on all pulleys as it should be.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator in a Ford F250?