So last week my battery was on the fritz and my truck started acting really crazy. Airbag light came on an then a day later my ABS and Park Brake light came on.

I removed the battery and the truck sat for a week or so. Yesterday I put a new battery in and the running issues seemed ok, it started fine and idled nicely, however I still have a crazy light show on the dash. After I start my truck, I get two chimes and then they come on.

I havent driven my truck yet and only had it running for about 20 seconds if that may help.

I also checked the fuses that were related to the abs system and they all seemed ok.

Anyone? I'm quite lost...

 

alternator.

 

Fack!!! That's what I was afraid of. Is my best bet new or to rebuild?
Any ideas on cost

edit,

I just called a local jobber and his price was $230. Just for kicks I called the local dodge dealer.....$650!!! No kidding!!!

 

wtf?! f that.
find a parts store that has it in stock (autozone, advance, etc), go in their parking lot and pull the alternator out, couple wrenches and a pry bar. have them test it for you. if it in fact bad itll cost you about $160 + tax + core (refundable).

unfortunately i haven't been able to find a rebuild kit for our alternators. bearing on mine is audibly goin bad, so i'm just waiting.

 

At the same time, to check the alt yourself simply crank the truck and remove the negative battery cable. If it dies then its the battery. If it continues to run then the alt is fine.

However, if you are going to replace it then I would go ahead and get the 160amp alt.

 

that's not exactly true, i wouldn't use that to judge.

 

Another option is to upgrade to a 160 amp alt. Tell them you want one out of an '04 durango with a hemi. It will bolt right up and it has 160 amps.

 

The pcm powers from the batt, not the alt, so that test wont work. That's why the pcm acts up when the batt goes bad.

 

Well I just put a brand new battery in yesterday so im pretty sure its not that.

What benifet would i get from a 160 amp alternator? Is it worth the extra cost? Cheapest 136a i have found is 275 bucks

 

Hey guys, my old man who knows nothing about cars suggested that I may just need to drive it and let the computer recalibrate itself....

is there any truth to this since it was all acting up when i pulled the old bat?