voltage fluctuations
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Joined: Mar 2008
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voltage fluctuations
I started noticing when I start my truck, especially when its colder, that all the lights dim a little and then brighten back up continually for about five minutes. Then they stay on strong. I put a new alternator in about eight months ago because the old one went out. I have also noticed that the truck cranks slow when its below 32 degrees. The batteries are fairly new, but they are AutoZone brand. Voltage guage doesn't seem to be moving and looks like its getting a good charge from the alternator. Could this just be weak batteries? My truck is an 01 F250 diesel crew cab long bed.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,354
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From: Winnipeg
Use a volt meter. Check voltage at battery across terminals with engine not running. Should be around ballpark 12.0v. Start vehicle, with engine running check voltage again across batt terminals. Should read around 13.8-14.2 volts if alt is charging which it probably is from your post. If it's charging go get your batteries load tested by Autozone. I would think they're under warranty for a couple of years. Don't forget to also clean and check your battery cables fo tightness.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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Thanks, I'll give that a try. Don't like how the Autozone batteries have held up anyway. Most likely, bad batteries. Already replaced one of them after only 4 months in the truck. If they are bad, probably switch to interstate, had pretty good luck with them in the past. Thanks again
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