hey gents,
I really don't know to much about fixing trucks but when I can save a few bucks I try ad do it myself. I went on deployment and hadked the wife to crank the truck up she did but didn't drive it so batteris didnt charge back up. I got them charged up and the truck cranked right up. I was plugging it in at night and it would start just fine the next morning. then a week later batteries kept dying in a few hours during the day. had to jump it again. then even when plugged in trying to crank it there was a buzzing noise and it would crank but not start. I bought new batteries and it cranked right up and drove fine until I shut it off and same problem and batteries were low again and it will crank but wont turn over. im thinking maybe alternator. any ideas?

 

Agreed, sounds like a bad alternator not charging the batteries. If you have a volt meter you can stick in the lighter socket let us know what you see at rest and when cranking. And running, if that happens.

Many auto parts stores can test the alt for free. And you get what you pay for on that, seems pretty hit and miss whether they get it right. If it's bad the worst thing you can do is buy a reman from a chain auto store, slightly better would be a new lifetime warranty alt. A new alt by a known brand like Bosch is a big step toward reliability, and getting yours rebuilt locally by a pro would be the best bet.

Swapping the alt is straightforward, google-up a thread here or a video. Make sure the belt routing sticker is on there in case it gets confusing later.

 

im gonna take it off tonight and take it in to get tested and ill let you know what they say. thanks for the help

 

If you have a multi-meter at the house you can test the alternator while on the vehicle, if you can get it running again...