Does this sound like a dead alternator? 1995 Ram 2500
Legend
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX
If the battery isn't fully charged, it will fail a load test.
If the alternator isn't charging... should be indicated on the gauge in the dash. You should see 14 volts or better with the engine running, even at idle. (with nothing on.) If you don't, it's either the alt, or the regulator.
The parts stores around here have a nice little machine that can indeed test the alt under load.(off the truck) If the alt passes, time to do something about the regulator.... you can replace the PCM, and get it reflashed to your vin, or, you can go to an external regulator.... Not sure what you would have to do to keep the PCM from being annoyed that it isn't getting info from the VR though...... Not sure if you could just leave the stock system hooked up, and not have problems or what.
If the alternator isn't charging... should be indicated on the gauge in the dash. You should see 14 volts or better with the engine running, even at idle. (with nothing on.) If you don't, it's either the alt, or the regulator.
The parts stores around here have a nice little machine that can indeed test the alt under load.(off the truck) If the alt passes, time to do something about the regulator.... you can replace the PCM, and get it reflashed to your vin, or, you can go to an external regulator.... Not sure what you would have to do to keep the PCM from being annoyed that it isn't getting info from the VR though...... Not sure if you could just leave the stock system hooked up, and not have problems or what.
+1 on store testing...it is under load, and sincve it is out of vehicle, - no way to damage PCM. I have a load tester for a battery, and it does have to be hot to test correctly.
Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
If the battery isn't fully charged, it will fail a load test.
If the alternator isn't charging... should be indicated on the gauge in the dash. You should see 14 volts or better with the engine running, even at idle. (with nothing on.) If you don't, it's either the alt, or the regulator.
The parts stores around here have a nice little machine that can indeed test the alt under load.(off the truck) If the alt passes, time to do something about the regulator.... you can replace the PCM, and get it reflashed to your vin, or, you can go to an external regulator.... Not sure what you would have to do to keep the PCM from being annoyed that it isn't getting info from the VR though...... Not sure if you could just leave the stock system hooked up, and not have problems or what.
If the alternator isn't charging... should be indicated on the gauge in the dash. You should see 14 volts or better with the engine running, even at idle. (with nothing on.) If you don't, it's either the alt, or the regulator.
The parts stores around here have a nice little machine that can indeed test the alt under load.(off the truck) If the alt passes, time to do something about the regulator.... you can replace the PCM, and get it reflashed to your vin, or, you can go to an external regulator.... Not sure what you would have to do to keep the PCM from being annoyed that it isn't getting info from the VR though...... Not sure if you could just leave the stock system hooked up, and not have problems or what.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,482
Likes: 4,223
From: Clayton MI
Dealer wants close to a grand for one... or more... Be careful on the Remans, Auto Computer Exchange has a horrid reputation.... I don't know of one that actually has a GOOD rep..... Getting one from the yard would be easier, then just have it reflashed to your vin.
Legend
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,025
Likes: 72
From: orangeville ontario
you can get an external voltage regulator system like what was used on the older dodge vehicles made up for less than $50
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...onversion.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...onversion.html
Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
you can get an external voltage regulator system like what was used on the older dodge vehicles made up for less than $50
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...onversion.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...onversion.html
Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 683
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Yeah, it looks like I have about three ops..ck the yard, external convert or get a reman online..I think they all have their pros/cons but only time will tell I guess..thanks for the advise Lemunman!
Legend
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8,025
Likes: 72
From: orangeville ontario
i guess it just depends on how much money you have to spend. i don't know if psycobilly64 is on here much anymore but maybe he will respond to a PM. i know he has been doing a lot of trading and no longer has a dodge. i forget exact what he got but i do remember it was 1969 Cadillac with a 472.