I have a '99 f150 4x4 4.6
While driving home from work I first noticed my radio quit working. Then I noticed my AC seemed to be getting warmer. Then I looked at my dash and noticed all my gauges including speedometer, gas gauge, etc were dead. The engine barely wanted to run but I managed to limp home. Thought maybe serpentine belt broke but it is ok.

Alternator problem?????????

Thanks
Longbox

 

Sounds more like your ignition switch.

 

hmmm.....

I forgot to mention that when all this was going on my heater/ac fan continued to work.

Also, when I went out to start it a while ago, it wouldn't turn over and I put the charger on it and then it started.

Longbox

 

Replace the battery?

 

Put a volt meter on it, battery should have about 12.5 volts without the engine running and around 14.5 running.

 

Sounds like a bad ground cable or a fuse. More than likely a bad ground.
If you check the voltage (or use a test light) with the head light switch on from the neg. post itself (not the clamp) to the engine block and body, and if you read any voltage you have a bad ground. If all the fuses and grounds are good then you’re A-C Generator (Dodge calls them an Alternator) bushes are worn out. The bushes only cost a few bucks and are replaced from the outside with two screws. You get a new brush holder with the brushs, I buy mine at O'Reilly Auto but you can get them at just about any auto parts store. Unless you jump somebody the wrong way or the bearings go out you never have to replace them. I have 8 Fords with some over 300K miles and I have never bough one yet, just replaced brushes.

 

Sounds like the alternator is bad and the battery is beeing drawn down.

 

Turned out to be the alternator. Took it to the local
ford dealer, $370.00. I always feel like I'm paying a premium to have work done there but I need my truck, they get right on it, and I figure they know what there doing and have the parts. And if there is a problem I know they'll stand behind it.

Thanks for the advice

Longbox