Ok first off what's up everybody new to the forum here. I've been havin a problem with the charging system in my 95 Ram 1500 5.9. I replaced the battery and alternator and everything seemed fine until a few days ago I noticed the voltmeter was reading low and a CEL came on. Seems like the alternator isn't charging the battery but it's brand new even with the truck running and up to speed the gauge is still reading pretty low around 10 or 11 volts and dropping and gets lower day by day. I've checked all the connections and everything and still stumped. Appreciate the help guys.

 

The voltage regulator is in the PCM. Check for output right at the alternator. (Best with an amp meter). If it is putting out and your battery is new, your PCM (voltage regulator section anyways) is bad.

There is a hack. Look for "external voltage regulator" for your year truck.

 

What is the code for the check engine light? Do you have a DVOM? While running put a volt meter on the battery and see what the voltage is while running. If it's below 13v put the voltmeter on the output stud on the back of the alternator and ground the other lead. It should be reading above 12.6v. I have had a few bad alternators right out of the box in the past. A lot of times "new" remanufactured parts have some shortcuts taken during rebuild. You may just have gotten a bad one.

 

The code reads charging system too low. It was a reman alternator too

 

You could run a jumper wire from the alternator housing to the battery negative. To determine if it is a ground issue. This could be an alternator fuse or weak wiring connection also.

 

The alternator fuse is the 120amp one correct? I checked that today and can't figure out what can be wrong with it

 

This is where the gauge sits as I pull in my driveway it was higher than that but driving only 7 miles it dropped dramatically. Note the truck is running too

 

Yup, running straight off of the battery, I presume. Not charging, have you checked any of our recommendations yet?

 

Not yet my friend has my tester. I'll try to find some time this week to do all them. Thanks everyone for the input

 

I would stop driving it until you solve this issue. You are getting dangerously close to the 'stops running altogether' zone there.