So Frusterated with my truck, charging issues

[JP5150]

so i have this issu with my 2001 7.3 SRW crew cab 4x4 6 speed truck. i live in San Diego california and i am hving issues with my truck keeping a charge.

I replaced the alternator on Valentines day, i have the single alternator option and i replaced it and drove it around the block. the battery light on the das went out and everything was cool. then about 3 hours later i was on my way to the store and the battery light came back on. so i thought it was beecause th batteries where low. so i charged the batteries overnight and when i woke up i was having the same issue the truck would start and run fine with good charge indicating on the dash.

now this evening after driving with my lights on i am stranded at a restraunt with my family and no way to get home other than get a cab for the family while i wait for a tow truck big enough to tow my truck.

i am not sure what else to do, can i please have some assistance if anyone has had this issue. is there a ground somewhere that i need to check? or maybe replace the battery cables? alternator lead? please help anyone! truck has 150,000 miles on it, i have not done any new mods lately, i have 4 inch exhaust, and AFE intake. runs great once it starts. ughhhh so tired on trying to fix this and i can not figure it out.

please help anyone

[stroker0920]

I'd check the cables. How old are the batteries? One of them could have a bad cell.

[JP5150]

batteries are not to old, i am going to pull thm out and have them tested at local shop. so i guess the next step is check and replace the cables......is there any ground i should check on/

[Jarrod B]

just the main ones from the batt to the block. and the wiring on the alt is good.

[stroker0920]

Originally Posted by JP5150

batteries are not to old, i am going to pull thm out and have them tested at local shop. so i guess the next step is check and replace the cables......is there any ground i should check on/

What batteries are you running?

[JP5150]

i am running interstate megatron batteries....rplaced about 1.5 years ago....i am thinking i am going to test the cable by removing them taking them in the house and running house current threw them, i will wrap a wire around them then plug that wire into a wall outlet and test the voltage on both sides to see if i have power lose.

Do you think this i a good way to check these?

[JP5150]

So the drama continues on to another day, i charged batteries through the night and started perfectly fine, the battery light does not come on for about 3 mins of driving then it is on again, not sure what is happening i am going to get new battery cables and the batteries tested to be good....just not sure what to do at this point except try the new battery cables and go from there.....this killing me, my truck is normally very reliable but all the sudden it has been really crappy last few weeks......anyone looking to buy a 2001 F350 7.3 crewcab, long bed, SRW, with conversation front end to look like a 2007? i have 4 inch exhaust, AFE intake, pyro and boost gauge on piller

[Turbostang500]

Have you put a dvom on it and checked to see if you are getting charging voltage? 13.5-14 volts.
If not check the big lug right on the alt for voltage.

[JP5150]

turbostang, that is a great idea, i guess that way i can tell if the alternator i just bought is defective or not......good idea, i like the way you think man!!!

[stroker0920]

Originally Posted by JP5150

i am running interstate megatron batteries....rplaced about 1.5 years ago....i am thinking i am going to test the cable by removing them taking them in the house and running house current threw them, i will wrap a wire around them then plug that wire into a wall outlet and test the voltage on both sides to see if i have power lose.

Do you think this i a good way to check these?

Did you ever try your idea?