Charging System Issues

I have an were goodextra cab. Has about 140k on it. 5vzfe

My problem started about a year ago when I swapped all my lights to LED. Not saying it is the problem or caused it but it's when it happened. My battery light came on. Nothing was wrong though just the light was on. Then later on few months later had issues with the alternator. Wasn't surprised, took the opportunity to upgrade to the Cadillac 140 amp alternator.

Did everything the right way, everything works, the battery light was still on though But everything worked. Had 14 volts or 15 volts Had no problems then I swapped colors on the dash lights and decided to take the Battery light Bulb out so it would not annoy me. Then I drive an hour out and it dies. Had to jump start it all the way home with voltage continuously dropping from 12 to 11 to 10 down to 8 and then needing to be jumped.

I have an optima red top, electric fans on a switch, cb radio, sony stereo no subs or amps, And that's about it. I replaced battery, put new alternator in and when that still didn't work had both alternators tested And both were fine. But in the truck the alternator only put out about 11.5 v and the belt was tensioned and everything. I am At a loss as to what this is and what could be. Any suggestions would be helpful thanks.

 

Your not going to like my answer..
Put it back the way it was.
Pulling the batt bulb is a no no.
I don't have my notes with me but its part of the sensing circuit.
Now you have an open circuit.
You put those dam LEDs in and you had a problem. Didn't find the reason.
You pull the batt bulb and now you have another.
The fields need to be excited to charge. Check your voltages at the plug and main wire.
I see this so much when people start playing with stuff.
Had a tundra a few months ago and the guy tried to install LEDs.
Yeup blew outta couple of ecu's. out of pocket repair on a truck with 10,000 miles.
You may have taken out the sensing circuit in the dash.

Not trying to be a downer but when something goes wrong you need to repair that issue before you go on.

 

I was thinking that but then I was like just a dumb bulb Why would it then I literally got off the phone with my brother-in-law who is a mechanic said the same thing. Guess I'll have to deal with it? Why would the bulb be on. Thanks for the response I appreciate it!

 

If the circuit is compromised or the sensor craps the bulb becomes the ground.
Even if that part of the board is screwed the circuit can reroute through the bulb.
But pulling the bulb gives you an open circuit and then the alt has no parameter to charge.
I have seen ,on more than one occasion, a no charge with that light on and having to replace the dash. And It charged. I have also seen the light on and still charging and had to replace the said dash because of the sensing circuit.

You had the alt checked and it's ok. So now you know it's in the truck.
The last thing you did was pull the bulb. So go backwards and see if you can get it to charge to start.
Good luck man.

 

it was the bulb. thanks man i appreciate it.

 

The battery light is an indication of a mismatch in the battery and charging system voltage. Notwithstanding the bulb removal, the symptoms are consistent with a problem with the charging system. Car batteries are not designed for deep discharges, so if it were mine, I would also fully recharge the battery and have it load tested for latent damage.