Dual Alternators (Can't find Info)

[ddimond]

I've had my 1999 e350 with dual alternators for a year now and this is my first issue. Coming home from camping the battery light came on but the Volt meter was still normal (above halfway) and made it home alright (200 miles). I had an idea that the batteries might be bad (had to jump it once when I left the inside lights on all night) so I thought I would just buy two new ones. When I got home and turned the van off, it would not start again. I jumped it and it started right away.

Bought two new batteries, cleaned all the posts, checked the connections and installed the new batteries (850/1000)

Started it up, checked the battery light (off) and gauge (a little above half) FOR 20 SECONDS.

After 20 seconds (10 when it's warm) the battery light comes back on but the gauge reads normal (a little above half).

I tested the voltage at the battery and it reads 12.25 at idle and above.
Yesterday when the battery's were new it was 12.53 at idle and above.
(the gauge inside always reads a little above halfway)

I've tried to find service info on dual generators and exactly how they work (hate to work on something when I don't know how it works).

If one alternator is out, wouldn't the other take over? Could it be that I have only had one working since I bought it a year ago and just now the second one went out?

I'm ready to pull the top one and replace, however I'm afraid it might not be the alternators and possibly the PCM or ?? I wish I could find some pure reference material on the e350 Diesel!!

Also, I read the ODB codes and get nothing. Does the 1999 give all codes or is it limited?

This is my first post but I'm really hoping I can get some good feedback. I hate to take the van into f**d. I really don't get along with them very well [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]

Thanks, Don

[stroked_van]

I think the gauge is in the dash more for decoration than anything.
I can't help with the duals...........other than it really isn't that hard to pull 'em out and take 'em down to Autozone and get'em tested.

I was in California over the last several weeks and the van kept getting harder and harder to start each day. Decided it was the batts and drove it to Autozone to get 'em checked. After both batts checked good, I sat in the parking lot and ripped the alternator out. It checked bad. Put new alternator in and all is good now.

BTW.......the gauge in the dash NEVER moved off its normal spot of a little above center while running.

Good luck with it.

[ddimond]

Thanks, I'll pull um tomorrow and take them in for a test.