[DarealBigDaddy]

I had battery Troubles. I thought it may have been the batteries I purchased from PepBoys. The batteries would only last about 2 months. If I let my truck sit for 2 weeks without starting it, the batteries would completely die. I replace a total of 4 sets or 8 batteries in my 2000 F450. after the 4 set of batteries went bad I had the alternator tested. it was putting out only 11.5 volts. I replaced the alternator. i had the charging systen check at AutoZone with the device they use and it showed the voltage regulator failure. I took the alternator off and replaced it with a newer one and retested with the same results. now could there be something else going on here or just 2 bad alternators fresh from auto part store? Help me out here!

 

[JSchuricht]

Could be two bad alternators or could be a issue with the truck. Check to see if your getting voltage at the alternator, check that all the cables are tight and check the small plug on top of the alternator.

 

[eagledieselmedic]

I have gotten two rotten alt.s in a row.

If you have a multi-tester (digital is best for this as accuracy is crucial) start the truck and turn on lights, wipers, radio and ac running. Place multi tester in proper vDC range ( no more than 6 -10 V) and Neg lead on out-put from alternator and positive on the positive battery post of each battery while helper raises RPM to about 1200. If the reading is greater than 0.2 v DC you may have bad battery connections or internally coroded cables that are providing too much resistence.

The same can be done for the ground cables with the negative lead from the tester on the alternator body and the positive lead from the tester on the neg battery terminal. Again do not want to see more than 0.2 v DC.

I had an ambulance with dual alternators and kept burning up batteries (it had three). Turns our the bottom alt was smoked but the main problem was the cable to the rear two batteries was so internally coroded that it was about to catch on fire.

A quick, non-scientifc test is to carefully feel the positive cable to the batteries as the alternator is charging them. Too much heat = high resistence.

Do not over-look the batter connectors. Be sure they are tight and corrosion free. Hops this helps, sorry for the length

 

[DarealBigDaddy]

Thanks for the responses. ill take all of this into consideration. Ill start with the plug on the alternator.

 

[DarealBigDaddy]

Electrical Issues

My batteries are being drained. I changed out my alternator because it was only putting out 11.5 volts. the new alternator appears to be putting out 14.8 but batteries are still being pulled down. Now after charging the batteries I get a clicking noise as if the terminals are loose. Ive cleaned and tightened but still get the clicking noise. On top of that all of the lights on the dash, interior lights and everything that can come on when the ignition is turned to the start position starts flashing off and on. Truck just clicks when i try to start it. " Help a Brutha OUT"

 

[JSchuricht]

Check the voltage at the batteries and in the cab while starting. I'm guessing the battery voltage is decent and your loosing power in a bad cable or terminal.