2008 2500 possible charging issues

[WillRoach]

Went and started the truck and at first i had 14volts on the gauge. after about 10 seconds of idling the volts on the gauge dropped below 12 and the lights all went dim. this did this back and fort between 14 and below 12 a couple more times before i finally took off for work and it leveled out a little above 14vdc. It almost seemed like a glow plug controller cycling on and off if you know what i mean. Here were the conditions the truck was in when it happend, if this helps.



1. Truck sat for 24hrs during a heavy rain storm

2. Just returned from dealer with new 02 sensors and all the fixes associated with the p2000 code.

3. 60 cold degrees outside (damn Michigan weather)

4. No CEL



Is there any thing i should be worried about, or should there be any thing i need to look for? Any help would be appreciated.



Will

 

[Hoefler]

Grid heater cycling, normal.

 

[HBarlow]

Every new Dodge-Cummins owner experiences the same dimming lights and fears he has an electrical problem. Me included.

When the engine is started and outside temp is below something like 60* the intake air grid heaters are cycled on to heat incoming air for a brief period and then turned off and then recycled again until the engine warms. The Cummins intake air grid heaters draw something like 90 or 100 amps which loads the electrical system very heavy for a time. It is normal and causes no harm. It you start your engine in cold weather and the grid heaters don't cycle on and off you have a problem but they seem to be extremely durable. I've never experienced or heard of a problem that I remember.

 

[WillRoach]

Thanks folks, I will make note of it.



Will