AboutDennis W Expertise I am a retired Ford master tech specializing in electrical, climate control, emissions, driveability, chassis, brakes, and any light repairs. Currently employed by an independent shop that appreciates my knowledge and abilities.
Cannot answer transmission or parts questions, these are not areas of my expertise.
Experience 32 years of auto repair, diagnosis, and emissions testing, in service staions, independent garages, and 20 years with Ford dealers.
Organizations National Street Rod Association (NSRA)
International Automotive Technicians Network (IATN)
www.blueovaltechs.com
IAMAW (retired)
National Street Rod Association
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Education/Credentials Riverside City College Automotive technology program
Ford Master Tech Certified Engine and Chassis Master (Over 500 hours)
ASE Certified in 7 categories
6 years training in Union 76 Pro-tech program
Awards and Honors 4-time Technician of the Year at Almaden Lincoln Mercury
Ford Master Tech
Union 76 Pro-tech Master tech
Question Over the last 3-4 days, my f150 has run very rough intermittently. Today, it appeared that the enire electrical system shut down, as if the alternator failed. The entire dash (guages, tach, speedo) all dropped to zero. The power window wouldn't work. No electrical at all. The engine kept running,but finally stalled at a stop sign a block from home .
The battery was dead, but started with a jump a couple of hours later. And it will start right now, and run. The battery light/symbol was illuminated, but the ammeter showed normal charge.
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Answer Check the charging output at the battery, do not rely on the gauge to tell you it is ok. Your symptoms could be related to low system voltage. Also check the connections on the firewall where the positive cable is connected to a couple of large fuses, have found corrosion or loose connections there.
Another area to check is the under dash fuse box. The GEM module is mounted on top of the fuse box, and there have been many cases of water leaks from the windshield contaminating this area and causing corrosion, which will affect many of the things you mention. You can remove the GEM and look for green or wet connections, a sure sign of a problem.
