Electrical System Problem !!

[Trac Bob]

I have a 2001 about 32,000mi. I first noticed the "battery light indicator" flickering a few days ago. I removed the battery and added water - it seemed low. After that the battery would not hold a charge at all!! It totally died. Jump started it - it would only hold a charge for a few minutes before it completely crapped out.



I replaced the battery today - the indicator light stayed on. I drove it for 10-15 miles (light still flickering) it seemed okay. I let it sit for about 15 minutes took it for another spin and I watched the power gauge drop steadily - barely made it home!



The truck won't start at all now. The old battery did not seem weak - it cranked strong ??



Any ideas as to what might be wrong ??

 

[Jake Levin]

sounds like your alternator is shot.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

I am going with the alternator also. You were tunning on battery power. Once it hits around 8 volts your vehicle will die as the voltage is too low to operate the various modules.



To prove this, charge the battery and I will bet you will be able to run around for a day as it will have 12 volts to start the Trac and then run fine for a bit. Once it drains to 8ish volts, you will be where you are now...

 

[Trevor Yeomans]

ditto... alternator

 

[Trac Bob]

Thanks..thats what I figured. Any idea re: the cost to fix from Ford ?

 

[Todd Z]

Just for the heck of it I would disconnect the neg battery terminal..



Then remove the clip on the alternator and re install... Then check if the top 10MM nut is tight, Thats the main charging wire.. Then clean the battery terminals and re try...



if not, More than likely the ALT, But have your battery tested first, Just to be safe..

Todd Z

 

[Trevor Yeomans]

sorry man, couldnt tell ya. gonna be the price of the alternator and then whatever their labor rate is.:unsure:

 

[Gavin Allan]

Alternator. My '03 alternator (43,000 miles) took a dump in August. Cost $135 plus core from Autozone. Took five minutes to install (two bolts). Ford wanted $279 plus core for alternator.



Get best rebuilt alternator you can find. The rebuilts are all crap, but the good ones have lifetime warranty.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

When I replaced my alt it was approx $100 for the part after core was returned, but I did the install myself.



I would guess at the shop it would be billed as 1-1 1/2 hours. and I think going rate is $60-80ish an hour.

 

[Todd Z]

The alt is 3 13mm bolts....

Remove the serp belt with a long 3/8 ratchet, Disconnect battery, Remove 10 MM top nut and 1 wire clip. Remove the 3 hold down bolts and remove the alt...



Should take you 15 min start to finish...



A shop price here is going to be 1 hour labor charge plus LIST price on the part,,.

Todd Z

 

[Greg Grimes01]

if you lived nearby ,i would give you a hand.. crank it up and put a voltmeter on the battery . it should read at least 13.4 - 14 volts.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Which do you have, I can get you some prices?



4 Dr, Sport Trac, (130 amp), ID 4G7U-10300-AA

4 Dr, Sport Trac, (130 amp), ID XL2U-10300-AA

4 Dr, Sport Trac, (130 amp), ID 1L2U-10300-AA

4 Dr, Sport Trac, (130 amp), ID 1L2U-10300-BA