F150 Charging System ?

[groundraker]

The original battery on my 2000 F150 died and had to be replaced. Since replacing the battery, the battery i.d.i.o.t light intermittantly comes on and goes off. The charging gauge reads midway between high and low as it normally did. Any ideas on what the problem might be? ie: alternator, voltage regulator, etc.

[Scott K]

More then likely the alt is weak. Bring it in to a parts store that sells batteries and they should have a tool to determine whether the alt is bad.

[Hafnutz]

The voltage regulator is now part of the alternator on the newer Ford trucks. Sounds to me like a alternator problem. I would have a reputable shop check the output (not just some discount parts store) before I replaced it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Or you can monitor the voltage yourself with a volt meter. Ideally you would like to see 14+ volts.

[groundraker]

It ended up that the alternator was only putting out about 12.1V. Put in a new one, now puts out 14.2V. Thanks.