[LaKingRanch1]

2004 @ 49,800.Driving along and radio cuts out,gauges fail, all dash lights flicker.Stop and try to start 2 hours later....starts.Thinking batteries, alternator, loose conneciton etc..... Check batteries...both are RED light, change batteries....no problems until 3 days later.Now 15 min. ago....same thing.
Does this engine have one of those....I CAN GO OUT BECAUSE I CAN SENSORS? Causing the batteries to drain.

 

[GrampyJim]

The battery "eye" is only reliable when the battery is new.... Once in service, any manner of debris trapped in this indicator can give a false indication - either way. Additionally, the "eye" can only offer advice on one cell of the battery.

When faced with dead batteries, we endeavour to find out why the batteries failed.... battery condition test, AVR test, starter draw test (if necessary) and parasitic draw test (if necessary). A customer will visit a shop that does some in depth testing to avoid repeat failures. A good shop will perform in depth testing because if the concern isn't repaired correctly on this trip... the shop may have to repair it correctly for free later....

 

[PerryB]

You have a charging system problem. I'm pretty sure it's an alternator. I say that based on your description of progressive systems failures. If you had driven much further the engine would have quit. The fact that the batteries rebounded enough to re-start after two hours is an indication that they're probably in good shape, although a good charging and load testing is obviously in order.

 

[LaKingRanch1]

Thanks for your input......today I bench tested my alternator 4 times.....at 2 auto parts stores....all 4 test results were "FAIL". Installed a new one and charged my batteries......WHOA.....the headlights are bright. Would not of thought that a heavy duty alternator would fail at 50k.Owned 2 Dodges since 95....no issues.Not that FORD is a bad truck, I believe that Quality Control on parts in MEXICO.... sucks.