Dead battery

[lvsqcsl]

Hi guys,

I haven't posted in some time, and it is good to know that you are still here!

The Superduty in my signature started acting up about a week ago. I noticed that the starter got more and more sluggish as time went on. Finally, this morning (12/2) it just clicked. I jumped it off the Excursion in my signature (using the passenger side battery on both vehicles; I hope that was right!). This happened just as the weather turned cold (25-30 degrees F.)(I know that isn't too cold for some of you in the northern climes!) I just attributed the sluggish starter to the cold weather. When it wouldn't start and I jumped it, I took it to a friend who rebuilds starters and alternators.

At that point, (it has the lariat luxury package) the message center between the speedometer and tachometer was blank.

It ran fine on the way to the shop (approx. 2 miles away).

When I arrived, my friend placed a load tester on the batteries. He said he couldn't tell if the batteries were dragging it down or if the alternator was not charging. He did note that the alternator was extremely hot and suspected that the "rectifier bridge" and "diodes" were fried and the alternator would need to be replaced. (I haven't got a clue what those things are!)

He told me to remove the alternator and bring it to him. It is an extra-heavyduty alternator and when I took it to him he tested it and confirmed what he had suspicioned.

My questions are:

1) Should I have the alternator rebuilt or would it be best to buy a new one?

2) Should I replace the batteries since they will soon be 4 years old? I have a rudimentary battery tester and one battery will take a charge; the other one didn't after 3 hours.

3) Is there anything else I need to replace or cast a critical eye at that might have caused the alternator to fail initially.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance. Craig.

[bismic]

It is pretty early for a failed alternator. The battery (or batteries) may have caused the alternator to fail or vice-versa - hard to tell.

Definitely replace both batteries.

If you have confidence in the person rebuilding the alternators, then you should have it rebuilt. If you don't really know the person (or company), I would probably just get a new alternator. I have been happy w/ db electric (have one of their's on my sons 7.3L and their starter).

DB Electrical Starter-Alternator

[lvsqcsl]

Thanks for your reply, Mark.

Yes, the person rebuilding the alternator has done this type of work for me for some 25 years, so, yes, I have confidence in him.

The local Ford dealership will sell me those batteries for $55.00/battery. I've checked and this is about the best I can come up with.

Again, thanks for your reply. Craig.

One other comment: those batteries aren't maintenance-free, are they? I.E. you need to periodically add water. I checked and they were both low, I added water and attempted to charge them. Thanks again, Craig.

[bismic]

They are not maintenance free, but 2 years into mine and they are not low on water. I believe if they get low, they are getting hot for some reason.

4-5 years is about all you will get out of factory batteries. Less than 4 years and they probably have seen some abuse (ie like a bad alternator).

I read on one site that you should clean your battery terminals at least twice a year and this will help extend their life. It is important to ensure good connections / ground. I have not done this in the past, but have started now. After two years, my ground terminals were fairly heavily oxidized.

There are folks that swear by periodic charging w/ chargers that are designed for actually removing lead sulfate build up on the plates. Maybe someday I will look into this.

When you have one battery that has been bad, you very likely have reduced the life of the other one. Keep a close eye on the one that took a charge - or just replace it (which is what I would do to be safe and not risk ruining the new one).

FYI - low system voltages can cause a variety of issues. It is a good idea to keep this system healthy!

Good luck.

[OMCUSNR]

Well,

I've lucked out. I still have the factory batteries in a truck built in Feb 03, and it still starts great.

I have however, just pruchased 2 Interstate batteries & will be replacing them and the coolant (hoses & all) this weekend.

OMC

[rock_doctor]

Replace both batteries, just did mine last weekend, also on an 05. I would let him rebuild the alt it will be much cheaper and he will be careful, which is in your favor.

[lvsqcsl]

Thanks for all your replys, guys.

I have replaced both batteries and am waiting on the rectifier bridge for the alternator.

All of my connections look brand spanky new, but, I will cast a critical eye towards that. And yes, I have a friend with an '02 7.3 that still has the original batteries, LUCKY DOG!

The batteries were just a bit low on water. I'll be keeping an eye on that also.

Thanks, Craig.

[gmalott]

Just wondered if your batteries where corroded and wet all the time. I have a 06 with 45000 miles and I am seeing this with my truck. One of my batteries showed yellow in the indicator so when I asked the dealership about it I was told that is normal and the battery was fine. Just wondered if I might have something going on now that I should check.

[lvsqcsl]

Not at all. My batteries are dry and look almost new. My indicator is black; I understand that those things aren't reliable, but, who knows.

One of them just died!

[lvsqcsl]

Update:

Changed both batteries and rebuilt the alternator with a new rectifier bridge.

Rectifier bridge: $70.00.

Batteries $89.00/battery.

That nice guy at the Ford dealer told me $55.00/battery. He looked at the wrong price.

Truck back on the road. Thanks for your responses. Craig.