Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Alternator question for the non-mechanic!

[PCarbonaro]

Hey guys,



I was checking my batteries and alternator, since I recently installed some extra lights. Anyway, I'm using a simple voltage checking device from Radio Shack. While checking the alternator status (i. e. motor running, all lights on), is it normal for the voltage to cycle? For example, I would get a normal reading (14. 0 volts), then you would see voltage drop, then it would pick back up again. This happened on a regular cycle, and I'm thinking this is the normal way an alternator keeps the battery happy.

 

[cpeters]

If you started it up and then began checking it was the grid heater cycling and that will make your gauge go down then up then down as it cycles. Try driving it first once you go over 25mph they won't come on untill you start it again.

 

[PCarbonaro]

If you started it up and then began checking it was the grid heater cycling and that will make your gauge go down then up then down as it cycles. Try driving it first once you go over 25mph they won't come on untill you start it again.

Ok, I thought that the grid heater stopped functioning once the motor was started. (meaning I thought the grid heater only worked while the "Wait to Start" symbol was on).

 

[ntillm01]

The grid heaters come on full (one or both depending on temperature) while the wait light is on. They cycle for the first 30-120 seconds after the engine is started and is not moving. As stated above, if you get over 17 mph before the cycle time is over, they will stop cycling.

 

[Huff N Puff]

Mr Peters is right its the engine processor cycling the heater grid until the engine gets to a certain temperature.