Alternator Failed - 2006 F350

[DaveBen]

That will probably work just fine.

Dave

 

[Yellowsub1962]

I think I'll trickle-charge overnight, and monitor over the next few days.
Thanks

that'll be the best for the batteries and the alternator in the long run

 

[Black06]

charging wont set a CEL or SES light.
I dont know for certain but the gauges in the dash are
for &U^%.

I use a cyberdyne "plug-in" voltmeter when traveling...
when the truck is OFF it will indicate the battery voltage,
when the truck is running it will indicate the alternator
CHARGE voltage.

i keep the gauge in the door pocket...when im curious i
plug it into the power point (aka cig. lighter socket)...on
a long trip its possible to have the gauge plugged IN but
not making contact (basically OFF)...a slight tap to seat it
in the powerpoint socket and it turns on.

I know this is of course not what youd expect to NEED on a 2006
truck...but for 29 bucks it might be helpful in the future.


CYBERDYNE PLUG IN VOLTMETER

A003E060N - Cyberdyne UltraGage Red: Voltmeters - 12 Volts - egauges.com

Now that I have my new toy, what voltage should be displayed when engine running and all accessories (A/C, radio, lights, etc...) off ?

Thanks

 

[DaveBen]

You should see about 14.5 volts with the engine running and no major accessories. A good alternator should be able to keep that voltage with the accessories running.

Dave

 

[bushpilot]

the whole reason i have mine was...well for towing...and toying mostly.

at rest ive seen as low as 11.x volts (w/ NO starting or slow crank
problems)...other times ive seen near 10.8v and it wouldnt even
crank.

depending on the condition of my batteries i might see 13.4v if
i start crankin the audio system i can see it drop to 12.3 or so.

i think i have a weak alternator myself...ive NEVER seen it
charge @ the expected 14.3v but until it fails im not gonna mess
w/ it.

 

[Black06]

the whole reason i have mine was...well for towing...and toying mostly.

at rest ive seen as low as 11.x volts (w/ NO starting or slow crank
problems)...other times ive seen near 10.8v and it wouldnt even
crank.

depending on the condition of my batteries i might see 13.4v if
i start crankin the audio system i can see it drop to 12.3 or so.

i think i have a weak alternator myself...ive NEVER seen it
charge @ the expected 14.3v but until it fails im not gonna mess
w/ it.

On the way in to work this morning, with all accessories off (but lights), I peaked at 14.0v, and steadied at 13.6v for the remainder of the trip. This is a brand-new alternator (changed under warranty) with fully charged batteries on the trickle-charge over the past two (2) nights. With tunes on, I think 13.6V is all I'm going to get.

I don't know if this warrants a return visit to the dealer - I'm thinking no ?

 

[DaveBen]

What does it do with the lights on? You should see over 14 volts with a good load.

Dave

 

[Black06]

What does it do with the lights on? You should see over 14 volts with a good load.

Dave

Dave,
Lights were on when driving - 13.6V max. (radio, A/C off).

 

[bushpilot]

kinda sounds like MINE...friend of mine says that w/ TODAYS systems
the alternator / regulator will charge as needed...im not sure i believe
that.

i used my cyberdyne in bartmans truck (7.3L) and saw what i would
TRADITIONALLY expect...that is to say i saw a charge voltage (truck
running) of 14.3 and a battery voltage above 13v.

 

[DaveBen]

That is what I would expect, Bush.

Dave