Electrical problem/question... HELP! Bob, anybody!
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Electrical problem/question... HELP! Bob, anybody!
Now that I'v got your attention...
I have a problem with my carging system I believe. Any time a small load it put on the batery gauge drops quite a bit. For example, if my AC is on high (blower on high) the batery level gauge drops down to almost the quarter line... I have an idea but any thoughts? Thanks!
I have a problem with my carging system I believe. Any time a small load it put on the batery gauge drops quite a bit. For example, if my AC is on high (blower on high) the batery level gauge drops down to almost the quarter line... I have an idea but any thoughts? Thanks!
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#3
First, check the battery cable connections - all of them (4?), hot and ground at both ends.
Regulator or the alternator itself? Battery could be no longer taking a charge?
IMO, you need to have it checked locally on a charging system load tester. I think some battery places will do a free charging system check in the hopes of getting you in the door and selling you something.
Regulator or the alternator itself? Battery could be no longer taking a charge?
IMO, you need to have it checked locally on a charging system load tester. I think some battery places will do a free charging system check in the hopes of getting you in the door and selling you something.
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Originally Posted by graniteguy
Isn't that the point? To each his own, but putting a couple of prongs on the battery is better than removing the alternator, standing in line at auto zone, etc etc.
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Originally Posted by graniteguy
Put a voltmeter on the battery while the truck is off. Do it again with the motor started. If the voltage is higher while the engine is running, then your alternator is probably fine.
1. Battery alone, no load should be about 12.6 or above. If it's sat awhile, maybe 12.4 or so.
2. Alternator should raise the voltage to AT LEAST 13.8 volts with the motor running, no load. Loaded voltage should not drop below 12.8 volts or you stop charging the battery and start draining it. Really, with a loaded voltage that low, you'd be in the situation of balance -- really neither charging nor draining and that alone is a bad sign. Anything less than about 13.2 volts and the battery isn't charging much if at all.
3. Maximum voltage from the alternator shouldn't be much more than 14.2 to 14.5 volts -- more than that for any length of time fries a battery by overcharging.
Optima's are great batteries but they have a VERY high failure rate, FYI.
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