Battery light on dash?

[Bbasso]

I hate to ask, but will anyways

A week ago I saw the battery light come on for 2 seconds and then went off... A few days ago I saw the light come on for 3-4 seconds then go off.

What should I be looking for?

Once I get over the flu I'll get the multi meter to see what the volts are, Is there anything else I should pay attention to?

thanks for your time.

 

[Crumm]

Might be a loose connection in the charging system or the alternator could be going south.

 

[Bbasso]

Ahh the simple things slip my my from time, thank you.

 

[Blowby]

If the light was coming on that means the voltage is low on your batteries.

1) Check the battery terminal connections and make sure they are clean. If they are not connecting from post to cable with 0 ohm resistance the batteries can not recieve charge from the alternator.

2) Check battery voltage. It should be about 12.7-12.9 volts with truck off.

3) Check the alternator output at idle and at 2000 rpm. it should be between 13.8-14.3 volts if the battery voltage is lower than about 12.7 (or somewhere around there).

 

[Bbasso]

Looks like one of the batteries is weak if not both, wouldn't start today...
Is there a way to figure out which one is weak with out doing to much work?

Any recommendations for batteries?

thanks again

 

[Bbasso]

I don't have a rpm guage in the van, so how would I properly check the voltage while running?

 

[sagebel]

70 mph in OD with 3.73 gears is about 2000 rpm. You could do it by ear. Just some engine speed up over idle and you should be close.

 

[BIG JOE]

Looks like one of the batteries is weak if not both, wouldn't start today...
Is there a way to figure out which one is weak with out doing to much work?

Any recommendations for batteries?

thanks again

If one battery is weak, replace them Both.

Replacing 1 battery.. leaving the old, "OK" battery in the pair.. will cause other Battery/12v Power problems.. Very Shortly.

Which Brand ? VERY controversial here.

I'd say: Chooze a well known Brand Name, in the "Group" Ford recommends for your Year, Make & Model.... With Healthy "Cold Cranking Amps". Say.. 800 or better.

Don't go Cheapo. The 'ol.. Pay me Now, Or pay me Later.. applies.

Joe

 

[Bbasso]

Understood about batteries, thanks for the tips. I am going to go with the factory suggested CCA/CA.
Just have to find the $200+

As for my gear ratio, I'm more then sure it 3.55 so what speed would I need to be at or close to?
Or just hold the rev slightly above idle, should give me an acurate (close enough) reading?

BTW, 2000 E350 Super Duty 7.3

 

[BIG JOE]

If the light was coming on that means the voltage is low on your batteries.

1) Check the battery terminal connections and make sure they are clean. If they are not connecting from post to cable with 0 ohm resistance the batteries can not recieve charge from the alternator.

2) Check battery voltage. It should be about 12.7-12.9 volts with truck off.

3) Check the alternator output at idle and at 2000 rpm. it should be between 13.8-14.3 volts if the battery voltage is lower than about 12.7 (or somewhere around there).

Understood about batteries, thanks for the tips. I am going to go with the factory suggested CCA/CA.
Just have to find the $200+

As for my gear ratio, I'm more then sure it 3.55 so what speed would I need to be at or close to?
Or just hold the rev slightly above idle, should give me an acurate (close enough) reading?

BTW, 2000 E350 Super Duty 7.3

Like Blowby sez