Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Alternator or batteries or ?????

[SGrooms]

I was driving along the other day, turned into my driveway, and the check gauges light came on. My first thought, no big deal... the oil pressure gauge falls out every once in a while.



To my suprise, it was the voltmeter gauge. I sat there for a minute, and shut the pickup off. Turned it back on, (forgot to let it cycle) and the gauge read about 10 volts. It very, very slowly climbed back up to just above 14 where it normally sits.



Batteries? Alternator? Something else that I can check before it goes to the mechanic? Anyone else have something like this happen to them?



On edit... 24v HO, 6 spd, about 113,000 miles.

 

[RCook]

Have you checked the battery connections, to see that they're clean and tight?



If they're OK, how old are your batteries? Three or four years may be pushing it, if they're original equipment.

 

[rkressg]

Look for a member named "Oil Burner". He had the exact same problem. I believe that it was a relay that went south.

-Rich

 

[DarrellB]

Mine is doing the same thing with a brand new set of Optimas and 105k on the ticker. (batteries are a year old now I guess)



The Volt Gauge will drop to 10 and the Check Gauge light will come on everytime I sycle the Intake Heater. I've got all my connections cleaned up and the Alternator is good.



So what "Relay" is this you mention? That would seem like my next point of attack.



DB

 

[SGrooms]

Mine is doing the same thing with a brand new set of Optimas and 105k on the ticker. (batteries are a year old now I guess)



The Volt Gauge will drop to 10 and the Check Gauge light will come on everytime I sycle the Intake Heater. I've got all my connections cleaned up and the Alternator is good.



So what "Relay" is this you mention? That would seem like my next point of attack.



DB

What he said.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Eliminate the battery/alternator question by going by Autozone. They'll hook the load tester up and tell you if either one of those is the problem. No charge (no pun intended). :-laf

 

[DarrellB]

Anyone? Anyone?



DB