New batteries, new alternator, batteries not charging!!!!
 

03 ford 7.3L , Batteries are 2 weeks old alternator is less than a week. It seems the batteries are not charging and dash lights are flashing. I also notice when it's low there is a pump running continuously when the key is on! Took voltage reads on both batteries, reading are 11.3v on one and 11.5v on the second one. I also took a reading on the alternator and it showed it was charging 15.2v . I have no clue where to go from here!! I'm new to the diesel world and totally lost. Also I removed the aftermarket remote start thinking this may be draining the batteries. Thank you in advance for all your help.

Check your fuses and your fusible links. You should probably check your grounds also. I'm having the same problem.

Checked all my connections and fuses, found a bad connection in the three prong plug on the alternator ! It has worked fine all week with no issues. Thank for your help !

Yep that's what I was going to tell you check the ground on your alternator

Well, thought I had the issue solved and out of no where it happened again! Has anyone replaced their GEM Module? I have been told the older SD are notorious for leaking windshields and this is what kills these modules. They said when it starts going out you can experience loss of power to all the accessories. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This thing is driving me insane!:hang:

Thats what my problem is, i have a leaking windshield. Im waiting on ford to get on in stock. I took mine out and there was water damage. Heres how i knew; My dome lights didn't have bulbs so i put on in and it never turned off! Searched this and it came to the gem.:jump: Pita to get out though.

Jason7three, I was told the 03 has a VSM and not a GEM. Have you heared anything like this? I figure my dang windshield leaks too. The batteries will completely discharge overnight, getting fed up with this stuff!

Your right on the no gem, i have the same issue still.

Have you installed the new module yet? If so, they say look for a broken or bare coating on the O/D wire in the steering colum. Keep me posted on your results. I ordered a new VSM Module yesterday. I pray this solves my issues.

Well put my VSM (GEM) whatever you want to call it and replaced one of the new batteries yesterday. Went out this morning and both batteries are dead as a door nail! Does anyone out there have a clue what could be draining both batteries that blasted fast? I'm lost where to even start looking! Help !!!!!!

I have a 99 PSD and it ended up being my positive cable had bad connections in the terminals. Luckily someone I knew knows how to replace the heavy duty terminals.

I'll take a look at it tomorrow! Thanks for your imput!

If by chance it is your battery cable, tousleyfordparts.com is the cheapest I found

Man, I thought you had this one whooped! No engine codes apparently. Batteries losing charge overnight. :argh: I would have to say that the alternator is still the culprit! Ground wire? I would think that if it was a module of some kind(not sure what you guys are calling with acronyms!!) but shouldn't that trip an engine code if it quit working? I have an 2002 and do not have windshield issues(thankfully!!) Try using a volt meter on the batteries and see if they are taking a charge when the motor is running. Should be around 14 volts if the alternator is working properly.

I'll take another look at the alternator and the wiring! This dang thing is really starting to piss me off! I love the truck, but enough is enough! Thank you for all the suggestions!

Had the alternator tested yesterday, it failed twice. installed the new one and took a volt reading and it was charging like it should. I also checked the amps and volts on both batteries as it was running, both were slowly climbing from 12.5v to 13.2v with amps holding at 7amps. I went out this morning and she fired right up, no hesitation.
I would have never guessed two batteries and an alternator less than 2 months olld would have been the issue! Thanks everyone for all the imput, you saved me a lot of time and head banging!

Check it again today and be sure it is still charging properly. Alternator should maintain 13.2 or 14.2 while running. Sounds like you have found your real problem though! Glad to help

Here we go again! Driving down the road and the darn thing dies for no reason! the batteries drained! Jump started it, checked the alternator connections, still putting out 13.2v ! I heard a clicking noise in the dash so I started trying to track it down and found a constant draw in the instrument cluster! Two days has past and no electrical/Starting issues. Does this make since to anyone? Help! much more of this and i'm buying a Duramax!! Lol

What was causing the draw on your instrument cluster? I don't understand why that would drain your batteries if your alternator was working properly. are you also running your headlights?

Yes, at the time it died this go round the lights were on. Guess im taking a shot in the dark! All i know is when i pulled the fuse for the instrument cluster the clicking stopped. Could be a number of things associated with the cluster. Honestly don't know where to go from here. getting frustrated.

Just wondering with your instrument cluster unplugged does your batteries stay charged can you run it a few days without your instrument panel and see if it drains your batteries again. Try powerstrokehelp.com and Google search your problem.

I thought the same thing! i plugged it back in last night and this morning it fired up with no problem.