2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Check Gauges Light - Volt Meter @ Zero

[David Wheeler]

While driving this evening my check gauges light came on and I noticed the volt meter had dropped to zero. Stopped and shut the truck down. Restarted and the idiot light was off and the volt meter was operating, although the voltage was showing less than the normal 14 volts. Shut down again and left the truck parked for a couple of hours. Upon restarting the volt meter was still below the normal 14 volts, but no check gauge light. After only driving a short distance the check gauges light came back on and the volt meter dropped to zero again. Performed the same shut down and restart again. The light went off but the meter was below 14 again. Drove on to my destination without further incident. Any help on diagnosing this problem would be greatly appreciated. By the way, the Optima batteries are new, replaced a couple of months ago. Thanks in advance!​

 

[JR]

All battery and ground connections clean and tight?
Need to put a digital voltmeter on the out put of the alt to see what its putting out.

 

[David Wheeler]

Battery is all clean & tight. Will have to check all the other grounds as well as the alt output. Truck ran today without incident, but am expecting it to act up again. Something caused it, would like to find out why.

 

[murfman]

Battery is all clean & tight. Will have to check all the other grounds as well as the alt output. Truck ran today without incident, but am expecting it to act up again. Something caused it, would like to find out why.

Did you ever figure this out? My truck is doing the same thing

 

[David Wheeler]

Yes, I certainly did. It seems the alternator was on its way out. Had to replace the alternator within several days of the post.

I don't recommend waiting. My alternator completely failed and as you would expect the truck started drawing on the batteries. Was heading home down the interstate when all the electrical system failed. Had to be towed in .

Best wishes and Merry Christmas!

 

[murfman]

Thanks for the update, as of late it has been better, but I think I will replace the alternator anyway based on your experience.

 

[crabman]

Take your time and find a good automotive electrical shop who specializes in rebuilding alternators in house. Take yours in and have it rebuilt, reinstall it and good for years.