Alternator Problems
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New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3
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From: Salem, OR
Alternator Problems
I was driving my truck home from work this morning and noticed that the voltage meter was reading just below the "N" in "Normal". By the time I got home (36mi) and shut it off it didn't have enough power to restart. So I tested the batteries and found the passenger side battery was bad. So I replaced them both. Then I found that the alternator that I had just replaced 4 mo. ago was not charging. So I talked to the parts store and they swapped me out for a new one at no charge. So here is my problem.
When I start up, the voltage meter goes down below the "N" while the GPs are on (which I think is normal). After it cranks over it stays down for a while (3-5 sec.) then shoots up to the "M" in "Normal", stays there for a while then goes back down to the "N" then back to the "M" and proceeds to bounce all over. Is this normal? Do I have some sort of sensor out? I've tried this with the light on and off and the heater on and off and it dosen't seam to make a difference.
Thanks for your time.
When I start up, the voltage meter goes down below the "N" while the GPs are on (which I think is normal). After it cranks over it stays down for a while (3-5 sec.) then shoots up to the "M" in "Normal", stays there for a while then goes back down to the "N" then back to the "M" and proceeds to bounce all over. Is this normal? Do I have some sort of sensor out? I've tried this with the light on and off and the heater on and off and it dosen't seam to make a difference.
Thanks for your time.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Texas, just south of NY c
It, maybe charging, but it could be putting out a mimimum voltage of say 12 volts which .....Will Not keep your batteries charged. I would take it off and have the parts people put it on the tester and see what the supply voltage IS. It should be supplying around 15 volts to keep the batteries charged and produce enough juice to run all your electrical systems on your truck. If this is the second nonfunctional alternator I would Change suppliers..........s,.kuteman 
