New alternator/battery problem
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
New alternator/battery problem
I finally figured out and fixed my vacuum problems (I think). Thanks for all your guidance. While doing so, I found my truck dead one morning after being parked for about a week. It took a while to jump start it and now my alternator gauge swings wildly up when I rev the engine. It used to be kinda mild but now swings all the way to the top end stop. I can let it run for about a half hour, turn it off and it still won't start. Trying to get opinions before I start throwing parts at it. Alternator dying? or just some wierd gauge thing and the battery is a goner? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 480
Likes: 1
From: Elyria, Ohio
I left my truck parked for several weeks. I also had a slow battery drain to ground. Without thinking I tried to start the truck with the weak battery. Other threads mentioned that this could cause the regulator at the back of the alternator to go bad. I replaced the regulator; battery cable, and charged the battery. It started with no over-charging and no battery light. That was 8 months ago and no further problems. The regulator was easy to change and cheaper than replacing the alternator, which in my case wasn't that old. If it is your regulator, make sure your battery will take a full charge and is in good condition b4 you try to start again.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Bombdog,
If you have a second generation alternator I would check to see that the plug on the back isn't melted or shorting internally.
In addition to a mysterious battery drain they are known to cause fires.
If you have a second generation alternator I would check to see that the plug on the back isn't melted or shorting internally.
In addition to a mysterious battery drain they are known to cause fires.
