Diagnostic check (the one on the dashboard) told me to check charging system?

SFRUGE

MEMBER
2008 FORD F-250
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
59,000 MILES

My Super Duty F250 Diesel told me to pull off road safely then died. The diagnostic check (the one on the dashboard) told me to check charging system. I cleaned off both batteries, checked some fuses, re-attached battery cables and truck still will not turn over and start. Everything else i.E. Radio, lights, locks works but the truck will not start. Any ideas?

Monday, November 8th, 2010 AT 2:02 PM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The charging system warning gets triggered when the alternator is unable to charge the battery. This will effectively discharge the battery as you drive the vehicle.
It could be due to a bad wiring to the battery, or it can be a bad alternator.

Keep in mind that the battery can have just enough charge to turn on the radio, dash light etc., but not enough power to start the engine.

Have you tried to jump start it?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-jump-start-car-battery-using-jumper-cables

Typically, with a bad alternator, the engine will start but then it will stall after the jumper cable gets disconnected.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)