I talked to a mechanic and he said it could be the cluster. How often does the custer go bad

 

The cluster seldom goes bad.

How about doing some diagnostic work? Do you have a meter? What's the battery voltage when sitting for a bit. How about when cranking? How about when running?

The voltage regulator is in the PCM and it can/does fail. How old is the alternator? The brushes don't last forever either.

 

Had the same issue with mine, it was the alternator. My truck is a 2000 with about 166k at the time.

 

It was the alternator i just though since i replaced it only 3 years ago that it wouldnt be that. I was thinking it might of been the pcm since i had my truck for over 9 years and havent had no issues with any of the brains in the truck

 

3 years you must have installed a rebuilt alt I never trust reman anything it usually leads to a short life of the part.

 

Think of it more as the charging gauge. It was working... there wasn't any charging going on.

Three years is avg for a parts store reman. I got one with lifetime warranty.... if it dies, it's only a 20 minute swap. Difficulty of install is what determines whether I go OEM and the 4.7L is the easiest I've ever swapped out of any vehicle.


I wonder if they would last longer if OEM brushes were purchased and installed... hmmm?

 

Ya they replaced mine for free after i told them i had it only for 3 years