Intermittant battery problem (charging) - Page 2

saline · 12-05-2009, 12:57 PM

Still no luck. When the van hits a bump or vibrates on the road the battery light flickers and the batteries are not getting charged. I can park the truck just right or make an uphill left hand turn and the light stays off. I have once again double checked the alternator conections, connections at the power distribution box, and even dropped the batteries to rule those out (PITA, not to mention it's friggen freezing outside). Everything seems fine. grrrrrrr.... Any more ideas?

Jeffrey · 12-05-2009, 02:26 PM

First, make sure you have disconnected that cable from the isolator/separator before bringing it in to Ford Service. If the problem still exists, be sure to point out, very clearly and loudly, that the two electrical systems are completely independent at that moment. Keep on yelling it until the service manager finally acknowledges that fact. Then proceed with normal Ford diagnostics until it is fixed, under warranty.

Also, check the grounding strap from the two batteries to the frame.

saline · 12-05-2009, 02:56 PM

Grounding strap is tight. Also, ......no warranty left. Doh!

**daveb** · 12-07-2009, 11:14 AM

Josh it can be the wire harness from the processor. It controls the exciter. The harness may be damaged or a bad connector. Also the main charge wire goes to the starter but I would think you'd have other problems if that were the case. There is also a fuse to check, I'll PM you the details.

saline · 12-21-2009, 04:18 PM

Update:
Thanks for the help fellas. I found the culprit today! It ended up being a harness in the engine compartment near the firewall on the drivers side. I wiggled the harness and pushed it together and then noticed that the dash battery light went off. Not sure if it was loose or just dirty but no more battery light flicker!

**BroncoHauler** · 12-21-2009, 06:57 PM

Great news Saline. Intermittent problems are the WORST. Be sure to look along the length of the harness (if that's even possible) to see if there's not some chaffing which has created a short. Your moving the connector end may have just moved the harness enough to temporarily remove the short, but not actually fix your problem.

Herb

saline · 12-21-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco_hauler

Great news Saline. Intermittent problems are the WORST. Be sure to look along the length of the harness (if that's even possible) to see if there's not some chaffing which has created a short. Your moving the connector end may have just moved the harness enough to temporarily remove the short, but not actually fix your problem.

Herb

Will do. I have a nice warm fire bay to pull the van into tommorow evening to check the harness and loom. Snow is pretty but is de-motivating!

Josh