Hey guys, just a couple days ago I noticed that my truck started turning over weak. Today I went to go start it and was dead. It can't keep a charge for more than 3 hours. What are some possible problems?

 

How old is your battery? I'd start there.

 

X2...put a meter on your batt, without the truck running and see what the voltage is...below 12VDC buy a new batt. most auto parts stores will test this for you for free.

 

Did that, battery is fine and alternator is charging the system. My gryphon reads 14.1 volts when running

 

Check the connections to your starter and then check the frame ground connection.. what does the batt read on its own ?? how old is it ??

 

Battery reads 12.5 volts sitting still. It's only about 6 months old

 

Well? What was the outcome?

Similar problem - turned over slowly, then battery light came on. Fingers crossed, I bought a battery. Light still on. Dammit Jim. Bought an alternator - $259! Light is off. That was three months ago.

I noticed this morning idle was at 800 (normally around 550) kinda high but I had to go so I thought I would just keep an eye on it. Noticed I was late for a meeting this morning so I stepped it up a bit. Sluggish. Whatever. Look down to see my charging meter is on the L side!! Lights are getting noticeably dimmer. Turn everything off (it's freezing outside btw) and make it to work. 8 hours later it starts up fine, idles fine. Still feels a little sluggsh and about 10 miles into my 30 mile drive I notice the needle is moving to the L again. Everything is off and I make (JUST) home to grab my wifes little econometromicrotranspopod.

New battery and Alt three months ago and my meter says L and lights are getting dimmer. No message on the readout and no idiot light. Belt is on and turning and terminals are tight.

Now what?

I'm beginning to hate this friggin truck.

Oldrice-

 

Sounds to me like you need to replace your alternator again. On our fleet , we run dual alternators and run into this problem quite frequently. Sometimes they charge fine and other times they discharge. you really cant get a good reading of the alternator from the battery/alternator test. I would pull it, find someone who rebuilds them and have them test and inspect it. Sometimes you just get a dud in the group of alternators. Good luck and let us know how everything turns out for you.

 

Sorry for the hijack of this thread.

It was the alternator. It was only 9 weeks old and fortunately, it only takes a 10mm socket with an extension and a 1/2" ratchet to release tension on the belt tensioner to get the belt off. I did it without removing the f&*$ing fan shroud too. Roughly 10 min to get it out and again to put it on. Someone who does this a lot can certainly do this faster. Piece of cake.

It's amazing how much "low voltage" effects your engine and transmission performance. Big difference with a new one on.

Why did my two previous alternators fail? Hmmmm.....

Oldrice-