Voltage Problems
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Voltage Problems
Guys,
I first noticed this problem a couple of weeks ago. I went out and started my truck (94 Dakota 318) and the voltage was way down. I checked the battery - 12 volts. I then restarted my truck and checked the voltage still 12 volts. I had the alternator checked and they said it was fine. After I put the alternator back in everything worked normally until this weekend. The same thing happened again so I replaced the alternator. Now the only problem I have is every now and then when I return to idle the voltage drops and then goes back to where it should be. Is this a terminal problem or battery issue? I have had to clean up the negative side but the positive side has new a new terminal but the wires look a little old. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I first noticed this problem a couple of weeks ago. I went out and started my truck (94 Dakota 318) and the voltage was way down. I checked the battery - 12 volts. I then restarted my truck and checked the voltage still 12 volts. I had the alternator checked and they said it was fine. After I put the alternator back in everything worked normally until this weekend. The same thing happened again so I replaced the alternator. Now the only problem I have is every now and then when I return to idle the voltage drops and then goes back to where it should be. Is this a terminal problem or battery issue? I have had to clean up the negative side but the positive side has new a new terminal but the wires look a little old. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Peaceful Browser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,960
Likes: 1
From: Miramar, Florida
How old is the battery?
Most midline and lower level batteries are good for 3-5 years with average driving.
There could be a small chance that it is the terminal, but it would really have to be corroded or even broken to have a noticeable voltage drop.
A battery can test 12 volts when the truck is off or at idle. When the truck is off, the battery is not loaded and can maintain, with the truck on, the alternator helps keep the voltage up, but when you start the truck is when your battery will have a great voltage drop. Hook up a DVM and check to see what it drops to while starting. Anything below 9 and you are looking at your battery on its way out.
If that checks ok, we need to start to look at things that are going to be big current drawing accessories that are used. Mostly the AC compressor.
and last, there could always be the slight chance that it is just the dash gauge itself. It is not a common thing, but it can turn out that the gauge turned into a floater. Meaning that at sustained readings, the gauge appears to work properly, but when a different reading comes through, the needle will bounce or float until it settles.
Most midline and lower level batteries are good for 3-5 years with average driving.
There could be a small chance that it is the terminal, but it would really have to be corroded or even broken to have a noticeable voltage drop.
A battery can test 12 volts when the truck is off or at idle. When the truck is off, the battery is not loaded and can maintain, with the truck on, the alternator helps keep the voltage up, but when you start the truck is when your battery will have a great voltage drop. Hook up a DVM and check to see what it drops to while starting. Anything below 9 and you are looking at your battery on its way out.
If that checks ok, we need to start to look at things that are going to be big current drawing accessories that are used. Mostly the AC compressor.
and last, there could always be the slight chance that it is just the dash gauge itself. It is not a common thing, but it can turn out that the gauge turned into a floater. Meaning that at sustained readings, the gauge appears to work properly, but when a different reading comes through, the needle will bounce or float until it settles.