Electrical problems

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 18, 2011

Well it was only 30 out this morning andy truck would barely crank and it would spin fast enough to light so I found another ride for work. My batteries are only 1 1/2 years old but towards the end of winter last year they were giving me problems. Even in the summer if it sat for a couple days it would barely start. I'm guessing I have a draw somewhere but idk how to check for one. Any suggestions?

Also when it idles the lights and everything dim and I see my volt gauge drop down to the N. Is that normal or is my alternator going too?

Thanks,
Jacob

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 18, 2011

Damn wrong area. If someone can move it to the right area for me. Thanks

Wright337 · Nov 18, 2011

Sounds like the alt. Dont buy one from autozone or somewhere like that, or you will have problems again very soon. If you can find a place to get it rebuilt that will be the best route. I think I payed about 35-40 dollars to have mine built. Works great. Mine was charging just enough to keep it running but it was having trouble cranking.

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 18, 2011

That's what I was leaning towards since it dims at idle. What are the volts supposed to be at if I hook up a volt meter to it?

Wright337 · Nov 18, 2011

They should be between 12 to 14. When you are checking the voltage on just the batteries with the truck not running make sure to disconnect one of them, or you will be testing them both at the same time. My alt. would show charging sometimes and not at others. It was bad brushes.

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 18, 2011

If I get one I'll just go to ford or see if I can find a good name one. Have you heard about with the one post on the back of the alternator that if it's charging it should be magnetic if not then it's time to replace it? Any truth to that

Tom S · Nov 18, 2011

Charging voltage will be more in the area of 13 to 14 volts.

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 18, 2011

thanks for moving this to the right area haha ok thats what i thought it should be. just never actually hooked up a voltmeter to it yet

97BambiBasherPSD · Nov 30, 2011

ok im back to a slow crank in the morning. it didnt start nust turned over super slow. i put a new alternator and it was helping it seemed. so i need ideas please. i can run the plugs just fine and al;l the stuff inside the truck so im wondering if its only runnung off one battery. so that would show to be bad cables. could it be that or batteries or a draw somewhere?

smokedout250 · Nov 30, 2011

Have you checked the starter? Also get the battery's load tested they may have good volts but no cranking amps, I have seen it before. You could have a cable problem as well make sure the cables are clean, and that they are not broke or burnt in a spot.

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