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What's This Going On???

Posted

I've been experiencing something, that I think is new........................or else I've never really noticed it before.

 

When I start my truck, and it's Winter here now....................I let the grid heaters do their thing.  Then start my truck.................always starts.  

 

Seems like the "charge gauge" on the dash is taking a longer than normal time to come back.  I don't even recall what is normal time for it.  Here's the thing about my posting this though....................if I start to drive BEFORE the charge gauge comes back, I will get the ABS and Brake light flash on the dash along with the single chime.  If I wait until the charge gauge comes back up.....................no chime or lights.

 

Batteries are just over a year old.................as is the alternator.

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  • Killer223
    Killer223

    i get the same thing, as with my edge gauges, the battery Volts can be 14.8 and the gauge on the dash says well below 14 till i get above 15 mph. i think it's the computer that sets the dash gauge,

  • Mopar1973Man
    Mopar1973Man

    Ok. You are going to need a test light and a DVM. While the truck is idling just started cold check the grid heater terminals for power see if both are hitting or one is hitting. Then with the

  • Me78569
    Me78569

    Digital volt meter.   I don't bother either.    

Featured Replies

2 hours ago, dorkweed said:

NO.

Gotcha... while it's not related to this issue I would ground the pin so you can use it. It's a very useful tool, especially if you tow a lot or idle in the winter. 

    • Like 1
    • 2 weeks later...

    I have never seen a charge light on my 03.  I notice the grid heaters cycling by the lights dimming momentarily   immediately after cold startup, but after a couple of minutes the alternator kicks in and after that I don`t notice any voltage fluctuations or change in engine tone.

    Just wondering if your newer alternator has a lower amp output than the original??  

    weak batteries or a low amp alternator could cause the grid cycling to be more noticeable.  

     

    however I see my voltage drop to 11.2 with good batteries  on my 2nd gen.  always sucked a ton of powre.

    3 hours ago, angus said:

    I have never seen a charge light on my 03.  I notice the grid heaters cycling by the lights dimming momentarily   immediately after cold startup, but after a couple of minutes the alternator kicks in and after that I don`t notice any voltage fluctuations or change in engine tone.

    Just wondering if your newer alternator has a lower amp output than the original??  

    Your voltmeter doesn't swing, or show 12.xx V during the first 2 minutes?

    28 minutes ago, AH64ID said:

    Your voltmeter doesn't swing, or show 12.xx V during the first 2 minutes?

    Yeah, I haven`t really watched the meter, but I`m sure when the lights are dimming prior to the alternator engaging there is some voltage fluctuation.  Once the alternator picks up it is virtually unnoticeable.  never seen a charge light come on??

    18 hours ago, angus said:

    Yeah, I haven`t really watched the meter, but I`m sure when the lights are dimming prior to the alternator engaging there is some voltage fluctuation.  Once the alternator picks up it is virtually unnoticeable.  never seen a charge light come on??

    Somewhere in this thread I thought a reference to an idiot light, or charge light was made??? I normally let my truck run a few mins on cold mornings,, I have been in a hurry and heard the chime go off before I got out of the drive way, but did not catch an ABS, or any warning lights flash. This is probably just be an anomaly that happens under certain circumstances. 

    There isn't a charge light. If the voltage is too low the check gauges light comes on. 

    • 2 weeks later...

    my brothers truck when the voltage gauge drops low below 14 it puffs white smoke and idles rough once it kicks back up over 14 its fine runs like there was nothing wrong. Then my truck started doing it also. But has not done ever since I installed my brake controller for the trailer.  

    • Like 1
    • Author
    On March 23, 2016 at 4:27 PM, ADawg said:

    my brothers truck when the voltage gauge drops low below 14 it puffs white smoke and idles rough once it kicks back up over 14 its fine runs like there was nothing wrong. Then my truck started doing it also. But has not done ever since I installed my brake controller for the trailer.  

     

     

    Weird!!???

     

    On 3/23/2016 at 3:27 PM, ADawg said:

    my brothers truck when the voltage gauge drops low below 14 it puffs white smoke and idles rough once it kicks back up over 14 its fine runs like there was nothing wrong. Then my truck started doing it also. But has not done ever since I installed my brake controller for the trailer.  

     

    That sounds like weak batteries and/or alternator. 

     

    The brake controller is weird thou! Have you unplugged it to see if the problem returns? It's more than likely just a coincidence. 

     

    Edited by AH64ID

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    Welcome To Mopar1973Man.Com LLC

    We are privately owned, with access to a professional Diesel Mechanic, who can provide additional support for Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel vehicles. Many detailed information is FREE and available to read. However, in order to interact directly with our Diesel Mechanic, Michael, by phone, via zoom, or as the web-based option, Subscription Plans are offered that will enable these and other features.  Go to the Subscription Page and Select a desired plan. At any time you wish to cancel the Subscription, click Subscription Page, select the 'Cancel' button, and it will be canceled. For your convenience, all subscriptions are on auto-renewal.