[Matthew]

I have a 2003 Ford F-150. Has anyone ever heard of an instrument panel causing an alternator not to charge. I recently thought I had a bad alternator, so I replaced it, then it’s still not charging. The mechanic said a light on the dash isn’t fully functioning, which tells the alternator to turn on? It sounds like bullshit, but anyone else heard of this issue. Thanks.

[Michael]

The warning lamp is part of the charging circuit to work —- does it bulb check at key ON?

[Mark]

It’s been documented on forums, but it wasn’t widespread. What the mechanic told you is not bullshit. Alternator, PCM, and cluster work together and if the battery bulb is burnt out or the wiring is bad, it may not charge. Does your battery light come on for the self test with key on?

[Ardie]

My 2000 F250 has a short in instrument panel, smack it on the dash and everything starts working again.

[Mike]

It wasn’t entirely wrong, but not on that model. Need to look at a wiring diagram.

[Author]

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