Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Altenator issue?

[bstrand]

Has anyone experienced a drop in battery voltage when starting a cold engine? My lights flicker dim and bright for 30 seconds, the battery volt meter drops down to 10 volts. After 30 seconds, everything is fine. Based on my experience as a mechanic I think my altenator internal voltage regulator may be going on the fritz.



This started happening about 2 weeks ago. Thanks in advance for your help.



2001. 5 2500 Ram/quad cab/5. 9/auto 2wd stock (for now) :--)

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Comes up all the time with new members/owners - it's simply the intake manifold grid heaters cycling to pre-heat intake air when the temp gets below 45 degrees or so for easier starting - Cummins uses this method instead of glow plugs in the cylinders - common and proper operation - stops after about 5 minutes or so - will also cause fuel pressure readings to drop as pump voltage temporarily drops when heaters switch on - for those who have fuel pressure guages installed...



It's normal...

 

[bstrand]

Thanks for the reply Gary. Make sense and shows how green I am.



Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Barry]

My problem with this new truck is it makes a "whirring" sound when cold. Sounds like an alternator trying to go bad. I am getting ready to put it in the shop for several little minor things. That noise being one of them.

 

[Straight6Jeff]

could be the steering/bake booster pump whining when cold.

 

[Barry]

Really??????? It's not a whinning, it's a whirring... ... .....

 

[E7mack96]

Could it be the Alternator hum associated with full output amps??



Mine "whurs" after i've cycled the grids a few times and started it up. usually goes away in a few. Does yours quit after a few mins. ?

 

[jrobinson2]

My lift pump recently started making a lot of whirring noises, I guess its time for a new one. Power steering pump whine or cavitation you can feel on the steering wheel, mine is very bad below 25*.



Jared

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

My old Cadillac did that too when cold - turned out to be the air-circulating motor for ventilation... Took it all apart, cleaned and re-lubed - good as new...