Battery Light Stuck On

[duke16]

I just got back from 4wheeling and my battery light will not shut off. The gauge is stuck 1/4 of the way above the 8 and won't move no matter how long I drive for. I don't know to much about batteries but does this mean the alternator isn't charging the battery? The truck starts just fine but if the battery isn't charging I'm not sure how long this will last

 

[Jason_25]

Sounds like your alternator is toast. An auto parts store will check it for free, that is, if you can make it there before you battery runs out. You might want to charge it up before you drive.

 

[Crankcase]

Check your cables also, maybe you knocked one loose at the alternator....

 

[ld50]

Some people get scared too, but just unhook your negative battery cable from your battery for a moment while it is running. If it is the alternator the engine will die immediately.

 

[duke16]

I just tried unplugging the ground while the engine was on and sure enough it cut out. But what I don't understand is how after having my PIAAs, Hellas and an amp running for an hour or so and stopping and starting the truck numerous times, how there is possibly still enough power in the battery to start. The gauge hasn't moved from 1/4 above the 8 the whole time.

 

[duke16]

I'm looking around for a new alternator and I've come across this used one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33573&item=2414764508
It says it will fit into a 96 - 98 but would it also work for my 93?
What amperage does the 93 have?

 

[Crankcase]

Originally posted by duke16
I just tried unplugging the ground while the engine was on and sure enough it cut out. But what I don't understand is how after having my PIAAs, Hellas and an amp running for an hour or so and stopping and starting the truck numerous times, how there is possibly still enough power in the battery to start. The gauge hasn't moved from 1/4 above the 8 the whole time.

That is what the reserve capacity is for. A battery can run with no charge for 90 minutes or so with absolutely no charge, and a ccessories running.

 

[ld50]

your stock `93 alt should be a 95 amp. that doesn`t mean you can`t have a higher amperage alt.

I really don`t know if a second gen alt mounts the same or not..

inevitably, your battery will die..

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I wouldn't buy used. Buy new or rebuilt so you will have some kind of warranty.

 

[Opera House]

Check the 15A fuse for the regulator first

I have heard a couple of reports of the fuse connector getting corrosion and that happening. Also check the fuseable link from alternator output to the battery. If that is out, you probably need a new alternator.

 

[ld50]

Good call opera house,

Could use an ohmmeter (or is it an ammeter, ) never remember wtf they are called!)to check for continuity in the circuit from alt. to battery too...

 

[duke16]

Turned out it was the alternator. I went ahead and put in a new one from AutoZone, a Duralast. It's refurbished but I got a lifetime warranty.

How long do refurbished ones usually last?
I got a 130amp, will it still be able to run my Hellas, PIAAs and Jensen amp even though its refurbished?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Dvaughn]

Battery / Alternator problems

97 XLT Explorer. Great support site. My adventure started with ABS, Battery Lights and 4WD lights all flashing one afternoon. Not stopping or turning it off, I eased home and called a buddy in the car repair business. Alternator needs to be replaced he told me, so I called around and located a used one for $50.00. Next morning, took off and secured used alternator, came home, put it on and......low battery light, battery not charging....still not right. Well, I ran the battery down I thought, so I hooked up the charger and ran all night. Next morning (Saturday, thank goodness), I ran out, took battery off charger, hooked it up......STILL LOW!!!! Did the bad alternator fry battery? Went to Wal Mart (had receipt from last Sept for battery), got new battery, came home, hooked up new battery......STILL LOW!!!!
Got Smart, got on the web, found this site. Test alternator system by pulling neg cable while truck running. If quits, problem with alternator system. IT QUIT, must be a BAD used alternator. Take a break and help my son build a tree house, later I remember this site also advising checking the fuse link in the positive side cable to the alternator. I can't see a fuse link, BUT I do see another engine fuse box in the drivers side engine firewall. Find owners manual, check fuse # & Box. Mini Fuse # 6 is the ALTERNATOR SYSTEM. Pull 15 amp mini fuse....IT'S BLOWN. Replace with another 15 amp spare...IT WORKS!
Thanks for the great tips!