Hello guys im new to this forum. I have a 1999 dodge ram 1500 with 5.9L engine. For some reason headlights, taillights, and dash cluster has a pulse it. I checked battery voltage which is @ 12.8 resting. My alternator is charging at 14.6 with my external voltage regulator. Now I did do a small test. If I run the truck and unplug the VR the pulsing stops but once I plug my VR back in to run the pulsing comes back. What am I missing here?
Set your multimeter to AC volts and measure a 12 volt connection on your truck.
You will likely have an AC component on the DC line.
The rectifier connected to your alternator is likely pooched.
I'll look to see if I can find more info about the rectifier board and if it's incorporated into the alternator.
And
to Ram Forum.
Update;
After more reading about your truck, I still suspect the rectifier board that is built into the alternator is defective. I would complete the following tests to confirm;
1) Disconnect the voltage regulator and measure the DC value from the large wire coming off the alternator. It should be between 14 & 14.5VDC. A bit higher is OK, but much lower is not.
2)From the same testpoint (VR still disconnected) measure the AC component. It should be very low mV but I suspect it will be much higher.
You may find a parts store that can test the alternator to confirm.
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