Intermittant charging problem
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2
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Intermittant charging problem
The check guages light came on last week while driving to work. I looked at the instrument panel and noticed that the volts guage was all the way to the left indicating minimum or no voltage. I drove home and shut down the engine.I restarted itand the voltsguage was fine and the check guages light was off. Brought it to the shop and they said the negative lead to the battery was loose and it needed to be replaced. They checked the battery and altenator and said they looked good. Two days after getting the truck back, the check guages light came on again while driving to work and the volt guage was pinned to the left.After arriving to work, I shut it down and then restarted it. Guage was fine and check guages was not on. After work, I started it and the volt guage looked good and the check guages light was not on. I drove about 1/4 mile and I noticed the guage moving towards the left again. I pulled over shut it down and then restarted. Guage was fine. Started driving and after about a mile, the check guages light came on and the volts guage was pinned to the left. I pulled over again, shut it down and restarted it. Everyting worked fine the rest of the way home which was about 45 miles. Should I look at the altenator next, or is there something else (relay) that could be causing this intermittant problem.
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,228
Likes: 19
From: Riverton, UT
RE: Intermittant charging problem
There could be 2 problems.
The voltage regulator is in the aternator. You have to replace the alternator to fix it.
The other thing it could be is the battery. Sometimes a cell in the battery will break and float around. When it touch's ground it grounds the system and when it floats it can give ok (not great) readings.
IfIwere you, I would replace both. Not to mention they usually take each other out together anyway.
I like Auto Zone. ALWAYS get a BRAND NEW starter not a rebuild. Also I like their batterys. So far they have the best warrantys and a great product. I always get the biggest battery andthe 136 watt alternator.
The voltage regulator is in the aternator. You have to replace the alternator to fix it.
The other thing it could be is the battery. Sometimes a cell in the battery will break and float around. When it touch's ground it grounds the system and when it floats it can give ok (not great) readings.
IfIwere you, I would replace both. Not to mention they usually take each other out together anyway.
I like Auto Zone. ALWAYS get a BRAND NEW starter not a rebuild. Also I like their batterys. So far they have the best warrantys and a great product. I always get the biggest battery andthe 136 watt alternator.