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Old 04-18-2014, 10:52 AM   #1
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electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

Hey all I have a 2006 6.0l and recently had the alternator go and take out the FICM and both batteries. Not all at once but none the less it all happened in quick succession.

I cannot remember the order it happened though.

Anyway, I replaced the FICM, I replaced the alt with a reman 140 amp, and both batteries are new.

All was fine for a few months then the reman alt I put in died. I replaced it with another reman alt and again check the batteries which are good to go, but showing a slightly high charge. And my battery light still comes on every now and again, no rhyme or reason for when other than when it decides to. The light does not flicker it just comes on and will stay on for a bit and then go off.

So my question is should I ditch this alt and go back to the 110 amp ford recommends? Could that be the problem?

Many thanks.

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Old 04-18-2014, 11:23 AM   #2
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

I'd guess a failing alternator started to affect the batteies, which in turn took out the FICM.

Pretty good article here:

http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/ford ... handtools/


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Old 04-18-2014, 01:40 PM   #3
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

IMO I think purchasing an higher amp alternator with a better regulator designed for higher heat the 6.0 puts out is a win win situation. I decided for a higher amp model but that's up to you. Places like Nations can build a custom alternator or go with something like these:
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/

Just make sure the case is the same and that it fits W/O mods to anything. Going with an amp rating too high may require some upgrades to the output charge wire. I've got a XP270 and have had no issues. Nations will actually talk with you but I would think DC Power would too.

Hopefully it was just a bad "new" alternator and not another issue. Good luck with your repair.
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Old 04-18-2014, 02:00 PM   #4
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

Ditch the reman alternator and definitely don't go back to the 110A. Some good tips here and he also sells the DCpower alt recommended above:
http://ficmrepair.com/tips.htm

Read this thread and especially Fulthrotl's post on p. 2. viewtopic.php?f=39&t=8854
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Old 04-18-2014, 02:42 PM   #5
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

I would double check the battery cables. Corrosion and loose connections can create higher resistance causing the alternator to output more power which in turn generates heat and burns out the alternator. I would also recommend buying a Scanguage so you can monitor voltages. I constantly monitor charging/FICM voltage and coolant/oil temps. The dummy lights do not provide enough information to help prevent failures like your FICM.
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Old 04-19-2014, 07:08 AM   #6
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

Thanks all. I'll run through and see what I can find today. I did check all the battery cables and they are fine, I may end up pulling the alt again today and swapping it out. Also the scan gauge may be in my near future.

Not sure why things come to a head right before a trip. Ahh the joy of scrambling!
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Old 04-19-2014, 07:13 AM   #7
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

I had a used-up isolator doing some very interesting electrical trix in my rig. Might take a peek at that.
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Old 04-20-2014, 12:45 AM   #8
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Re: electrical gremlins- Is it my alternator?

Don't forget to check your house battery cables...
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