Battery Light On

[LarryJ]

2002 F250 7.3L

My battery light on the dashboard came on a couple of days ago and she was dead this morning when I tried to start her up. I need help diagnosing what this might be. The batteries were bought brand new less than 2 years ago. I think it is either :

A. Alternator
B. Voltage Regulator
C. Ground wire on alternator

I have a couple of questions. I cant find a diagram or any info on the alternator. Does anyone know if this truck has an internal or external voltage regulator? If internal, can I purchase the regulator and install it myself? Also, I assume that the wire coming off the top of the alternator is a ground wire? If so, the wire looks like it is in bad shape. Is there a way to just replace this wire by itself, or do you have to buy the entire harness? Any help on this would be appreciated.

Larry

[thbd77]

alternator and I believe it is internal and they are about 200

[LarryJ]

I tend to agree with you, just wondering if its not worth checking out the voltage regulator and the ground wire before I drop cash on a new alternator???

[G1K]

Make sure the main (+) wire on the alternator is connected well. I had a similar problem to yours and it turns out the wire was not making good contact. There was evidence of arcing. I cleaned everything up and it's been working well for about a month now.


R

[LarryJ]

Originally Posted by G1K

Make sure the main (+) wire on the alternator is connected well. I had a similar problem to yours and it turns out the wire was not making good contact. There was evidence of arcing. I cleaned everything up and it's been working well for about a month now.


R

Turns out that not only had it arced, it had melted the plastic around the bolt and shorted out. It was a mess. Anyways, replaced the alternator and had the batts charged up. Everything seems to be back to normal, except now my ABS light is on for some reason. Need to diagnose that next... Thanks for the replies.

[matter]

for your abs, check the wires comming out from behind your hubs, it may have rubbed on the tire

[LarryJ]

ABS light went out on his own.. Truck is running fine for now...