Sfcrusscanter
Junior Member
2002 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab with a Cummins.... Getting the batteries recharged again.... Problem started a couple weeks ago when the voltmeter showed a discharge while I was driving. I swung by autozone and they put there tester on it. It showed the alternator putting out about 38 volt, or was it amps... Anyway, I replaced the alternator a couple days later. Then, when I was driving, the voltage meter would drop off. If I pulled over and shut down the truck and re-started it, it would come back online and read above 12 volts. Then, sometimes i would go out and the truck would not start, no power, even the overhead light wouldn't come on. Then I pull the batteries to get them recharged. I checked alternator and it's putting out the proper voltage. I'm thinking that I may have more than one problem. First idea is to get and install an external voltage regulator. Then to find out where the loss of power is going. I have looked and haven't found anywhere it could be shorting out at. I'm thinking that the intake grid heater might be coming on somehow, cycling, and draining the batteries. Might be the relay that controls it. I'm open for suggestions from everyone. I'm used to working on airplane piston engines and they are a lot simpler than this truck is. Chasing sparks is my weakest point. Thanks for any help. Russ
