I have a problem

[Bumpside70]

My 70 F250 has been giving some problems as far as the battery getting drained somehow. I took it to my mechanic and he replaced the voltage regulator . I drove it for a week or less and the other night after work , it would barley turn over. Could this be an alternator problem? If it is I don't know why they (my mechanic) would miss something like that. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jake11]

Take batt. cable off. Hook testlight to batt. and cable. Does it light? If so, something is "on".

[DGrant09]

Just a shot here, but ours was acting like that.. Occasionally a very slow start, particularly when the engine was warm. We finally ended up replacing the starter and the main battery wires (which looked good but were corroded inside the insulation). I guess our starter had just worn out from age rather than a component inside failing and stopping all together. I think that was my first starter to do that! Wish they still made them like that!

[DGrant09]

Take batt. cable off. Hook testlight to batt. and cable. Does it light? If so, something is "on".

I like that test Jake.. We'll have to remember that one..

[AlleyCat]

Take batt. cable off. Hook testlight to batt. and cable. Does it light? If so, something is "on".

I like that test Jake.. We'll have to remember that one..

If nothing is " on" but the test light is lit start pulling fuses one at a time. If the light goes out the problem is in that circuit.

[Bumpside70]

Jake 11 What do you mean by hooking a testlight to the battery? Whats that?

[seattle67]

[Jake11]

S67, that is a nice one.
A test light= hooks between Pos&Neg and when current is present/flows, it will light up.
They make it quick and simple to diagnose a lot of elect. problems. Get one! Learn how
to use it. If ya have questions, I or someone here will tell ya how to.
Jake

[seattle67]

Bumpside70, sorry I posted the picture of the test light with no explanation, I was in a hurry and just wanted to get the picture up so you would know what we were talking about. You can get test lights at most places that sell tools and at most auto parts stores, handy little item.

What Jake11 is suggesting is, with everything off such as the ignition, headlights, etc., lift the positive lead from your battery. Then put the clip of the test light on the end of the positive cable and then put the pointy end of the test light on the positive battery post. If the test light lights up when you do this it means that something is "on" and drawing current. The current flows through the test light and causes it to light up, that load could be what is causing your battery to go dead.

[Jake11]

What he said. Better explained than I could. Thank's S67. Jake

[fmartin_gila1]

If you can find an old ignition or door buzzer, wire it in the same way and you don't have to watch the light. Very handy chasing shorts and such under the dash or where you can't see the light. The buzzer will quit making noise as soon as the short is terminated. I have kept an old door buzzer in my toolbox for years, and there have been times, especially when working alone, that the job couldn't have been done without it. Usually found under the dashboard in junk cars at the junkyards. Usually have two terminals and you can see the little circular grill for the speaker.

Fred

[Bumpside70]

Thanks a lot guys. I will be making a trip to the parts store and try that out. I will keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks for having patience with my lack of knowledge LOL

[seattle67]

Great idea Fred!

If you can find an old ignition or door buzzer, wire it in the same way and you don't have to watch the light. Very handy chasing shorts and such under the dash or where you can't see the light. The buzzer will quit making noise as soon as the short is terminated. I have kept an old door buzzer in my toolbox for years, and there have been times, especially when working alone, that the job couldn't have been done without it. Usually found under the dashboard in junk cars at the junkyards. Usually have two terminals and you can see the little circular grill for the speaker.

Fred

[Bumpside70]

Well guys I tested the battery cable and the terminal and the light did come on. So now the next move is to track it down. Wish me luck!

[Jake11]

Pull the fuses out, one at a time and see if the light goes off. Could be your alternator. Shorted diode.
But it's probably the brk. light switch. Jake