Why does my truck have two alternators?

Using dual alternators in a motor vehicle typically serves one of a handful of engineering design purposes. Dual alternators can also be used to compensate for vehicles with exceptionally high drain devices, such as recreational vehicles or police reconnaissance vans.

How do I know if my alternator is dual?

Turn the engine OFF: Disconnect the regulator/control plug on one of the alternators (only do one of them at a time). Run the engine again (load on, same as above) and check system voltage again. Should still be 13.0 to 15.0 volts. Turn the engine off.

What is a dual alternator?

Dual alternators’ secondary function may be to replenish run down batteries after the vehicle has been sitting with accessories running. However, their primary purpose is to run a few constant high draw accessories or many low draw accessories at once while the engine is running and not drain the batteries.

How many amps is a stock 7.3 alternator?

High output 130 Amp Alternator for the 7.3L Diesel in Ford Superduty and Excursion. Will put out 70-80 Amps at engine idle speeds.

Can you run 2 alternators?

Dual alternators is a loosing proposition, I’ve tried it several times, and it simply doesn’t work very well, And you have to add a lot of ‘Extras’ to keep it from cooking the batteries and wiring harness. You will be MUCH better off with a second battery.

Can 2 alternators charging one battery?

It will work just fine. When your batteries are low both alternators will charge the bank. as they start to top off, one alternator will probably start to ramp down it’s charge rate sooner than the other due to the regulators having small differences.

How much does it cost to add a second alternator?

Alternators can average anywhere from $100 to $350 depending on make and model. Most vehicles will fall into the $350-400 range for the total job of alternator replacement if no other parts need to be replaced. If the serpentine belt gets tacked on, add another $20 to $50 to your bill.

How many amps does a 7.3 Starter draw?

Starter draws less than 160 amps. Alternator output is 13.29 volts – 60 amps.

Can I connect two alternators to one battery?

A second altenator won’t help you if a single battery goes on the trail, you are SCREWED. A seocnd alternator won’t help you if you run the battery down and can’t start the engine, DUAL BATTERIES will get you home if the alternator fails, Dual batteries will allow you to ‘Jump Start’ yourself.

How fast will an alternator charge a battery?

For a battery being charged by the car’s alternator it can take an hour of driving to get it fully charged. Car batteries range from 40AH to 110AH, and alternators range from 45 amps to 200 amps.

Can a standard alternator be used as a dual alternator?

On my 06, only the standard/normal/first alternator is controlled by the PCM. When I first light mine off, the upper (dual) alternator starts charging right away and the lower one starts after about 30-60 seconds. Here as some measurements I did some time ago working on a different problem.

How does a dual generator work in a Ford PowerStroke?

The dual generators operate independently of each other. The control is through the internal voltage regulators. If one generator fails, the other generator can maintain system performance under light load conditions. Under a heavy load, the PCM detects a concern, sets a DTC, and illuminates the warning indicator.

Why does the battery light come on with a dual alternator?

From what I have read, trucks that came with the dual alternators are controlled by the PCM. And the only way the battery light will come on is because of an alternator issue. Well last nite, went and started the truck up and as normal my volts went from 12.6 down to 11.05 while the glow plugs were on after starting.

What kind of alternator does a Niether have?

I have a 250 Amp DC Power alternator. It is a great unit – pricey though. Wiring upgrades are required for 200A and up. my 03 is a single, and my brother in laws 04 has the dual’s, niether have ambulance packages.

What are the volts on my dual alternator?

When the 30 seconds were up, and the glow plugs turned off, my volts went up to 13.7 and the battery light turned off. The batteries are 2yrs old, running the Deka 1000’s. When I got up this morning, I went out to the truck and the volt were reading 12.7 prior to starting.

What are the benefits of having two alternators anyways?

Mine has dual alternators and its not an ambulance. I think that it was ordered that way and whoever ordered it backed out of the deal for some reason. I have not seen too many dual alternator trucks out there though. What are the benefits of having two alternators anyways? Mine has dual alternators and its not an ambulance.

Can a work truck run a single alternator?

On a work truck you might be running a welder, generators, stuff like that. Not to be a smart A** , but look under the hood the alternator is the only thing driven by the belt that has it’s own fan. Some have 1 others have 2