really strange electrical happenings....
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 348
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From: Franklinton, NC
really strange electrical happenings....
About 3 weeks ago, I was driving home about 10 pm when I thought I saw the headlights... quiver. It was so subtle I wasn't sure if the lights were acting up or if I was that tired. A minute later the battery light came on, flickered, went off, came on again, flickered, stayed on then went back out again. The truck was running just fine; I was freaking out! 
All was normal until yesterday. I started up and the battery light was on and the ampmeter was dancing all over the place. Stopping at a stop light caused the light to go out but when taking off again, it came back on with the ampmeter pegged as far up as it would go.
I just HAD to get to my appointment so I drove on as the truck ran fine. On the way home the light stayed on but the ampmeter was right where it was suppossed to be.
All my connections are clean and tight. I'm thinking/hoping that the alternator is going out instead of the batteries as it is a lot cheaper to replace.
What do you guys think??
All was normal until yesterday. I started up and the battery light was on and the ampmeter was dancing all over the place. Stopping at a stop light caused the light to go out but when taking off again, it came back on with the ampmeter pegged as far up as it would go.
I just HAD to get to my appointment so I drove on as the truck ran fine. On the way home the light stayed on but the ampmeter was right where it was suppossed to be.
All my connections are clean and tight. I'm thinking/hoping that the alternator is going out instead of the batteries as it is a lot cheaper to replace.
What do you guys think??
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 935
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green, KY
if the amp meter was fluctuating and the lights were coming on the dash I would have to leabn towards the alternator. Take it to one of the local auto parts stores and get the alternator checked to see if it is bad.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 6
From: Ardenvoir, Washington
Just for quick check... check the wire bundle that goes over the drivers side valve cover.. It has been a problem with rubbed wires shorting out..
But like the above post says.. it's probably your alternator. Check the voltage at the batteries with a digital voltmeter.. should be around 14.4 volts at a idle..
But like the above post says.. it's probably your alternator. Check the voltage at the batteries with a digital voltmeter.. should be around 14.4 volts at a idle..
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 348
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From: Franklinton, NC
Got the alt checked at the local Advanced Parts. It was putting out just under 12 v at idle. They only had the remanned in stock so I got it and put it on in the parking lot using their tools. The new alt's shaft turned by hand a little hard; the old one had a VERY loose shaft. Dash lights are out and things are as they should be.
I think I'll save up some coin and get a great quality alt to have on hand for the next time.
As to wiring... when I put my air system on, I had wires and tubing running/hanging all over the place. I used a lot of tie wraps to secure everything in place. So, I went all over the truck tie wrapping anything and everything I could get to so that I could prevent any wires rubbing and shorting out.
That was one major effort I'll tell you!
Thanks guys!
I think I'll save up some coin and get a great quality alt to have on hand for the next time.
As to wiring... when I put my air system on, I had wires and tubing running/hanging all over the place. I used a lot of tie wraps to secure everything in place. So, I went all over the truck tie wrapping anything and everything I could get to so that I could prevent any wires rubbing and shorting out.
That was one major effort I'll tell you!
Thanks guys!
