I was taking my girlfriend home and I have noticed lately that my light on my dash has been dim. Didn't think anything of it. So I was driving and then suddenly all of my lights, radio, everything starting flashing and my truck starting puttering and died. And I tried to start it and it made a repetitive ticking noise. My buddy jumped it I got down the road and it did it again then I jumped it again. And after that it wouldn't start so he towed me home. I have had 3 suggestions and need more help. Battery, Altenator, and Fuel Filter. Need help ASAP

 

I would say alternator. If the alternator was working it should still run even if the battery was weak or bad and I don't think the fuel filter would effect the lights and radio, but I would replace it anyway if it hasn't already been done.

 

I would agree and say it's the alternator.

 

Thank you

 

How much do fuel filters usually run

 

$10-12 if you buy the motorcraft one online. They may be as high as in the $20's at the parts store.

I'm willing to bet it's your alternator. Get it tested. Parts store should be able to read the voltage for free. It should be putting out 14-14.5v running and the battery should be putting out about 12.6 with the truck off.

Both the alternator and battery are easy to replace. If you do it yourself, an alternator should be around $150ish. Don't buy a cheap remain one though, it may leave you stranded again.

 

What year is your truck?

 

I dunno, I had the same systems as he did on my old ford ranger years ago. Jump it, it would start, shortly after removing the cables it would die. Turned out to be the alternator. Also had dim lights in the dash previously to that happening.

His best bet before throwing parts at it would be to get the alternator and battery tested for free.

 

You should check &/or clean all related components. Belt, pulleys, tensioner (if there), charging/battery cables, battery, alternator. It sounds like alternator, but check everything anyway.

 

The easiest way to test it is if you have a test meter (multi-meter) and follow these steps.
1. Open your hood so you have clear access to the car battery. Locate your alternator and check to see if the alternator belt is loose. 2.Turn your multi-meter to the 20 V setting. 3.Start the engine. At this point, check to make sure the alternator pulley and belt is spinning properly without slipping. 4.If you have easy access to the alternator without getting your body parts or clothing tangled in the spinning pulley’s, then place the positive multi-meter probe and touch it to the red terminal connector coming out of the alternator. Now take the negative multi-meter probe and ground it on some metal. Don’t ground to the alternator itself, that could be bad. it should read between 13.8-14.2.