Alternator going out?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Weatherford, TX
Alternator going out?
Ok so today I noticed that my batteries while koeo waiting for the glow plug symbol to turn off my battery voltage was around 12.2v and while cranking dropped into the 11's. Once the glow plugs kicked off battery volts go up to around 14v and I have seen 14.4v. Drove down the road and was sitting at a stop sign and noticed it was down to 13.1v but shot back up once I took off. I know I need to take my batteries in to get them checked but if the volts are dropping down to 13.1 is the alternator starting to give. I have never seen it that low always been 13.8v or higher. 2004 CC 4x4 stock.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Houston, TX
Ok so today I noticed that my batteries while koeo waiting for the glow plug symbol to turn off my battery voltage was around 12.2v and while cranking dropped into the 11's. Once the glow plugs kicked off battery volts go up to around 14v and I have seen 14.4v. Drove down the road and was sitting at a stop sign and noticed it was down to 13.1v but shot back up once I took off. I know I need to take my batteries in to get them checked but if the volts are dropping down to 13.1 is the alternator starting to give. I have never seen it that low always been 13.8v or higher. 2004 CC 4x4 stock.
If ur worried about ur alternator, go to autozone or O'Reilly's, and have them load test ur alternator.
Good luck!
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The voltage should remain relatively constant. Jumping from 13.1 to over 14 and back again is not normal.
I would start with cleaning the battery cables and both connections of the ALT charge cable.
Next verify the integrity of the "A" circuit wire. When that particular wire loses a good connection the charging can fluctuate quite a bit. Normally over-charges, but a good area to check.
If the problem persists you may need to have the alternator tested.
Josh
I would start with cleaning the battery cables and both connections of the ALT charge cable.
Next verify the integrity of the "A" circuit wire. When that particular wire loses a good connection the charging can fluctuate quite a bit. Normally over-charges, but a good area to check.
If the problem persists you may need to have the alternator tested.
Josh
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From: Houston, TX
The voltage should remain relatively constant. Jumping from 13.1 to over 14 and back again is not normal. I would start with cleaning the battery cables and both connections of the ALT charge cable. Next verify the integrity of the "A" circuit wire. When that particular wire loses a good connection the charging can fluctuate quite a bit. Normally over-charges, but a good area to check. If the problem persists you may need to have the alternator tested. Josh
Thanks.
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Josh
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From: Middle Tn.
My stock alt. has varied from 12.8 to 13.8 volts since new, original alt, and I've had no ficm problems at all. The exciter circuit tells the alt. what the batterys need. Not what we want to see. If constantly low then yes there is a problem. I do not have any heavy draw accessories in the truck. All stock.
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My stock alt. has varied from 12.8 to 13.8 volts since new, original alt, and I've had no ficm problems at all. The exciter circuit tells the alt. what the batterys need. Not what we want to see. If constantly low then yes there is a problem. I do not have any heavy draw accessories in the truck. All stock.
Josh
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From: Middle Tn.
The point of my statement is that a properly functioning system gives the batterys what they need. Over charging is just as detrimental as under charging.
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Josh
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From: Houston, TX
Op May possible have bad harness or bad connectors or just dirty.
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