new alternator now truck doesn't run - Page 2

warhorse · 11-05-2009, 10:57 AM

i couldnt check what the voltage was my instrument cluster is non functioning. not a single gauge or the display below it. witch i think i put a thread up about earlier but didnt get too much help. and my voltmeter is at my old mans house. either way im gonna get new batteries as soon as ive got my unenjoyment monies.

SteepyBS · 11-05-2009, 11:30 AM

im thinking thats your best bet is that they wont hold a charge cause of the fireworks show, if you put a couple new ones on hopefully youll be good to go!
good luck

warhorse · 11-06-2009, 09:07 AM

yeah im hopin thats the case.

Len Todd · 11-10-2009, 04:04 PM

I do not think that arcing a wrench off the battery post will destroy a battery, let alone two. I have sparked a few times myself. It would take a direct short of several+ seconds. Plus, you are cranking.

Fully charged batteries should read 12.2 VDC with a voltmeter. You can get a cheapie analog voltmeter for $8.00 at Home Depot. Also, if the batteries are charged, they can be load tested. Typically auto parts stores will load test them for free. Also, you can get a charger for < $40 these days. Having these tools around and using them is a lot cheaper than buying new batteries. But, if they won't charge or give a good load test, then you know they are shot.

warhorse · 11-10-2009, 04:56 PM

yeah ive got all of that stuff. and ive done all the tests. batteries are fine. I brought the alternators up to carquest yesterday. both of them the old one and the 145 amp i pulled at the wreckers tested good. now after i put the old one back in it worked just fine gauges came back on and the batteries got charged up while i ran around town today. then on the way home the battery light came on and it said they arent charging again. then i had no gauges all the way home. fuses all checked good and i cleaned all of my contact points. could something else cause this? like a regulator on the alternator going bad. but do those go out and comeback like that?

Len Todd · 11-10-2009, 06:05 PM

Have you checked all your grounds and cleaned the battery terminals? This sounds like a loose connection. What voltage are you seeing at the battery when you see the problem?

warhorse · 11-11-2009, 12:04 PM

12volts give or take. my terminals are pretty shiny so i dont think theyre the problem.

warhorse · 11-11-2009, 02:58 PM

well i went around town today and my truck went into limp mode. no reverse and 3rd gear only. so im pretty sure somthing is really messed up and none of the modules are seeing their desired voltage.

Len Todd · 11-11-2009, 04:00 PM

Warhorse: Where are you located in Upper Michigan?

Len Todd · 11-11-2009, 04:04 PM

SO, ... When it is acting up, measure the voltage at the back of the alternator. If you are not seeing > 13.2 VDC, then you have an intermittent alternator. Probably the stator opening up when it gets hot. When it gets cold, it works.