Battery Light On....then Off?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: NH
Battery Light On....then Off?
I have an early 99 (PSD of course). After idling for about 10 min (after 100+ drive) I went to leave the parking lot and the Battery Light came on and the dash illumination got dim....as if the glow plugs were on again. The engine was already up to temp. I checked the associated fuses for the alternator (single) and they were fine. We then stopped for an hr for dinner. Afterwards, I began to drive 20m home in the cold and dark with the dash lights dim and battery light on. Once I hit the highway, and the RPMs were back up around 2000, the battery light went off and dash lights brightened to normal.
Hmmm.....voltage regulator? Time to get a new alternator? Any ideas?
Thanks, Tim
Hmmm.....voltage regulator? Time to get a new alternator? Any ideas?
Thanks, Tim
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Time to get a new alternator. You can check the output with a multi-meter to be sure, or have it tested for free at the parts store, but I'd say buy a new alternator.
I recently discovered that if you ignore this for a few days, even though the battery light doesn't stay on too long at one time, you'll end up needing new batteries soon.
I recently discovered that if you ignore this for a few days, even though the battery light doesn't stay on too long at one time, you'll end up needing new batteries soon.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: NH
Thanks for the quick replies. Actually happy hear that I need an Alt. Nice ez fix! Great to have this FTE group to help!
Can anyone suggest an upgrade? I have a meyers electric/hydraulic plow that uses alot of amperage when the engine is at low RPMs.
Can anyone suggest an upgrade? I have a meyers electric/hydraulic plow that uses alot of amperage when the engine is at low RPMs.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
What I have done, Autozone and bought the lifetime warranty Alternator...
Just wait, here comes the rest, and all of them are great. Which means you are still left thinking about it...
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Post Fiend
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From: Blairsville,Ga
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
Just make sure all your battery cables are good, clean, and have tight connections (all of them). Mine started doing that right at start up, and a minute or so after. Found the main cable to the driver's side batt a bit loose. I think the GPs being on longer now that it got cool put it over the top. I have batteries and an alt that are about 18 months old. I cleaned & tightened that cable and it's been fine since.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
If you have a quality repair shop near you, let them repair and beef up your alternator with what you want. If you don't know a quality shop, I'd go with the DB-Electrical.
I too have a "lifetime" alternator from Autozone. The first "lifetime" alternator failed after about 12 months and killed my 2 batteries. So I got another free "lifetime" alternator and paid for 2 new batteries.
I put a DB in my wife's truck, and I ordered my starter from them.
I too have a "lifetime" alternator from Autozone. The first "lifetime" alternator failed after about 12 months and killed my 2 batteries. So I got another free "lifetime" alternator and paid for 2 new batteries.
I put a DB in my wife's truck, and I ordered my starter from them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Ive got the first one, the 200+ amp one. I went with the Chrome case option, and I believe Chris' wife went with the powdercoated Pink option.
FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
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You can replace the voltage regulator inside the alternator I read here. Do a search. The thread includes part number and the person on eBay to purchase it. Don't hold me to it but I think it was $16.00. The procedure was easy. Just a thought during these difficult economic times.
Good Luck......
Good Luck......
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,584
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From: Millbrook Alabama
Yes I did do the 4 ga. upgrade, but instead of spending the $40 that DB wanted I built my own for $20. wire and connectors(as well as 250amp ANL fuse) is avail at any car stereo shop.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
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From: Rochdale MA
