Battery or alternator

10

Asked by Randi May 29, 2016 at 10:53 PM about the 2001 Ford F-150 Lariat Crew Cab SB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Dash lights turned off then started losing power till
it died. Got a jump after removing the cables truck
wouldn't stay running. Check battery it wasn't good
so put a new one in. Working now but how do I
know if it was the battery or something else draining
it?

4 Answers

60

Have your charging system checked. Normally, some of the parts stores like Advance auto will do this for free, call they and verify first. Your Alternator should be putting out 14.4 to 14.2 volts. If it is over that, say 16 or 17, will eventually fry battery. Under 13 will prob bot keep your battery charged. I usually replace if it is below 13.5. Tensioner could be locked up, and not reacting against the belt as well. Could be bad negative ground.Doing the voltage output test is the first step.

2 people found this helpful.
73,310

Classic story of when an alternator goes out and vehicle finally dies when the battery is drained. Remove alternator, bring to autozone, have checked, probably bad. replace is necessary.

10

Since my last post (yesterday) the truck died same thing as yesterday lost power then died. Had the alternator replaced hoping this is the end of the problem and not a electrical short somewhere! Thanks for replying!

1 people found this helpful.

Hi everyone i hav a ? Ive jus had a similiar problem jus a couple of days ago.. my battery light came on and well had to replace battery/alternator/starter & starter solinoid on my 86 E150..after all that, yesterday battery light went out, this mrng it came back on.. had it tested at autozone and all passed! But the battery light is back on.. Can anyone help with any advice please?? Theres a short i was told but my friend thought he found & fixed it? But battery light back on today 5/10/17 If ANYONE of yall knows what possibly could help, id kindly appreciate the advice & solution Thank you kindly Lissa in texas

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