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  Jim Grant's Tech TipsJim Grant's Tech Tips
Below is a collection of Jim Grant's Tech Tips sorted by Vehicle Make. These Tech Tips were answers to questions submitted to Jim by ALLDATAdiy.com users over the course of many years.
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  Jim Grant's Tech Tips

96 Ford F150, Charging System Problems
Q: Hi, I am having a great deal of trouble with my ‘96 F150. I have had to install 4 Alternators (brand new), the last one just yesterday. The Ford dealer has said the alternator is putting out 14.5 as it should. However when I drive and come to a stop sign/light my lights are still dimming, and the indicator goes down to N. Is there something else I should check that the dealer is missing?

A: I would suggest having the battery checked more closely, it could be failing. A failing battery can have enough electrical energy to crank the engine for starting. But once the engine is running could create an electrical load that can easily cause the early demise of an alternator by overworking it. Have the charging system tested not for voltage output but for amperage output. A high amperage reading would indicate a problem elsewhere that is damaging the alternator.

 
     
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