Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) bad voltage regulator?

[tURBOdIEZEl]

when i turn my key to the "run" position and wait for my glow plugs to kick over my battery voltage stays pretty low, somewhere between all the way dead and 14 volts. when i turn my truck over the voltage goes almost to nothing, but does start. for the first 3 minutes of idle my voltage flickers every so often from about 11 volts to 14, and so forth until it stays at a constant 14 volts. at first, i thought it was due to the cold weather (moved from TX to pa this last June), seeing how back home we don't really get cold weather.

i then drove down to advance auto where they tested my alternator (which was bad) and they also stated one of my batteries was completely dead! i say what the heck, everything replaced. after everything was seated and back to normal, i started my truck and i was having the same problem all over again! (note this was after i paid my 315 bucks!) the guy at advance auto then went on about my voltage regulator being bad, and after further research he said the "ECM" (which i am guessing is the truck's computer) controlled my voltages and that i would need a new one! does this guy know what he was talking about? has anyone encountered the same problem? thanks in advance for all the info, this website is great!

 

[KWentling]

I don't think you had a problem. Sounds like normal operation to me. You don't have glow plugs, Its a grid heater. The voltage drops you see after it starts are the grid heaters cycling. Thats normal. The ECM does control the charging system. There is also a battery temp. sensor under the drivers? side battery. Need to be sure it touches the battery. I think you got took.



Kim

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

kim, thanks... ... . oh well i guess that will be the first and last time eh? lol. just another un-expirenced newbie i guess.

 

[Howard Durand]

I think Kim is right.



The intake air heater system operates when the intake manifold temperature is less than 59* F.

As you stated, the voltage cycled for about 3 minutes then settled at 14 volts.

The grid heaters cycle for up to 30 seconds prior to starting the engine and continue to cycle for 3 minutes after the engine starts.