I went to start my 2004 F150 (5.4 V8) today and had a charging system light (red battery) and a CEL. It started and ran ok. I popped the hood and found a mouse has chewed through two wires. I am looking for some assistance on finding the right replacement parts.

1) This wire comes from the battery positive terminal. The part that is chewed goes into a round connector and branches off to another wire. I have attached pictures of the connector and the location of the wire. I think it may be a starter wire? These are named Battery#
2) This wires goes into the engine into a round plastic piece. I think it may be a diverter valve? These are named Round#

I put some green electrical tape temporarily around the chewed areas for reference.

Battery





Round

 

Time to cut that plug off and then whip out the soldering iron, some nice leaded solder, and fix it by extending the wires and soldering it all up. Of course use heat shrink to cover it all up.

At least the mouse was nice enough to give you some room to work.

 

Yes sir, that is my plan! One is chopped right at the plug so I am probably going to buy a new plug for that. The rest I will solder up and shrink wrap and tape for good measure. I just need to find the right connector(s).

 

Here's a guide that will help you with the replacement connectors:

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/p...torcatalog.pdf

And happy soldering!

 

Thanks for that...why so many, I guess these go back decades!

 

I got the wires repaired but the battery is still not getting a charge and the battery light and check charging system message remain. Putting a multimeter on with the truck running I can see the amps slowly decreasing. I guess next step is to replace the alternator. If the battery is no good the alternator should still be increasing the amps correct?

 

You very well could have a broken wire on the back of the alternator as well. I'd look very closely at that before I go buying parts

 

Yea good plan, I will pull it first and check it out.

 

Just to close the loop...I took the alternator out and had it tested. It was working fine. I put it back in, doubled checked my connections and redid one. I cleaned the terminals and now I am getting 14.6 volts with the truck running and all the warning lights are gone. Thank you for the help, I learned a lot!

 

Great news!

I recommend getting some peppermint oil and spray that around your truck. Mice hate the smell of it.

 

Excellent advice, I got some coming!