91.5 battery gauge reads low

[Sri Ram]

I dunno…It read low–right at the bottom of the normal range–I charged it up, and it still reads low. Pwr windows are a little slower, too, and can't be rolled up or down at the same time. Any thoughts, guys?

 

[JFaughn]

Go to one of the do it yourself parts stores and ask them to do a load test on the battery and alternater , most of do it for free, if your lucky maybe just a bad connection, it will heat up during a load test.

 

[RWWinslow]

I have chased these and offer the following . . . . .



1) Check your actual battery voltage and system voltage with a good quality multi-meter - with the truck running and truck turned off. Running you should see 13. 5 VDC or better and with the truck shut off you will probably see around 12. 3 VDC. Check at several different points - if you have a loose or corroded connection you will see variations in your measurements.



2) If 1) checks out OK, then consider replacing the voltage regulator and do the load tests previously suggested.



The system is pretty simple on these older rigs, but corrosion and wear and tear will eventually eat away at the connections and insulation. Check for the unusual and do not be surprised at what you find.

 

[Sri Ram]

Thanks…I read the CA and CCA. Was a bit low–about 700 instead of 900. Also, running voltage was down to 12. Decided to swap out the alternator. We'll see how she runs after that. Will keep you posted.

 

[Paychk]

You may want to pull the alt. & have it checked at a parts house. The 91. 5's have the engine computer controlling the alt. and if the computer doesn't see the engine spinning, it wont turn the alt. on. The engine speed sensor may need adjustment or the connectors cleaned.

 

[Sri Ram]

All is well

Thanks, everyone. I swapped the alt. and now all is well…in fact is better than ever before. Better watch your arms when I roll up those windows!