My 1998 5.4 Litre 4x4 just started having the battery light flash on and off dimly while driving, it stays on pretty bright at 1900 RPMs. It only seems to do it when im accelerating (normal acceleration) not when at idle or if i rev it in park. Could it be my generator? Or does that just mean im gonna need a new battery soon?

 

My 1998 5.4 Litre 4x4 just started having the battery light flash on and off dimly while driving, it stays on pretty bright at 1900 RPMs. It only seems to do it when im accelerating (normal acceleration) not when at idle or if i rev it in park. Could it be my generator? Or does that just mean im gonna need a new battery soon?

 

I would bet it's the alternator. I would take it in and have it checked before it leaves your stranded.

 

Thanks, can i take it somewhere to have it tested for free?

 

most likely the regulator is going out in the alternator.

9 times out of 10 the battery light indicates a problem with the alternator. it is actually the charging system warning light.

 

Thanks, is there any way i can really check without replacing parts?

 

If you can take if off your self I think autozone will check them.

But my truck did the same thing to me over the summer and it was the alternator

 

Ok thanks alot, that should be easy enough. All i gotta do is find a ride once i get it off there haha.

 

Might as well just get one, - it's bad, - specially if it's coming on @ 1900.

I'd go with a Motorcraft tho, - or you may be in for some fun lol.

 

Yeah, take the alternator to a auto parts store and they should be able to check it under load. But I'm pretty sure it is your brushes wearing out in the regulator - how many miles on the truck?

A real quick check is also to measure voltage, it should be around 14v. But if it is doesn't necessarily say the alternator is good, but is a quick alt check.

 

Take it off in the auto part store parking lot.
Then let them test it.
If it's bad,(probably is or going bad) then just get a new one and put it on.

Phil

 

Well from my experiance autozone testing equipment is a joke. They tested my rig (bat and alt) while still in the truck because i was having the battery light issue. They said all was good so i went on my way. 3 hours later truck went into a limp mode and i had to pull off the road and it eventually died. Removed the alt and took it in and they said it was good. So i got a new battery and it still didn't work. Replaced the belt and tensioner. Still nothing, So this time i learned how to pull off the voltage regulator and check the brushes which i did and one of them was completly gone. and the other was holding on by the hair on its chiny chin chin!!! Screw the autozoo!! Your best bed is getting a multimeter and checking for voltage yourself and checking the brushes. Just my .02

 

Autozone can do a basic check on the alternator and battery in the truck in the parking lot. Mine had similar symptoms last fall and it was the alternator.

 

I agree on the alternator. Add in a new belt, tensioner and idler pulley to hit the major spots and you should be good to go

 

It would not HURT to get the Zone to check the battery and alternator in the truck in the lot. If they both test good, then you need to investigate farther - if one or both test bad, then they're bad.