Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Batteries dying !

[Kf6cmp]

My truck. slowly over this week ,has lost battery power. Now it wont crank! I notice the less and less crisp starts, that is normal when starting. The Batteries are less then a year old, and so is my starter. I would think it is the alternator. But first I am posting this issue. I also, about a week ago, had code 122 pop up. and this is when I noticed the battery power loss. Coincidence? I dont think this could drain the batteries when sitting. Also the alternator reads 14 volts when running. But could'nt the amps still be low . My normal driving is a short distance to work. So not much time to recharge batteries if amperage is low. Any thoughts?

 

[Alan Reagan]

I would clean the terminals even though the batteries are fairly new. You may have a corroded or loose terminal.



Sounds like the alternator is putting out but if you suspect it, Autozone or Advance will usually test them for you for free. Get them to load test the batteries while you are there.

 

[Kf6cmp]

Well the batteries are fully charged,they weren't dead. So alternater is good! Huummmm. Maybe cables to starter? Why would engine barely crank engine? Truck is 13yrs old so maybe cables are shot, they look alittle old. Starter is a napa starter could be not good quality?

 

[Bob4x4]

The off brand rebuilt starters are no where near the quality of the origional. If you are a good internet shopper you can find a ND starter new for less than the Napa reman

 

[Dieseldemon]

Ck your ground cable

 

[Kf6cmp]

first I'll check the ground conections and then ... . I guess the starter. Replacing cables is pretty expensive, Isn't it?

 

[Dieseldemon]

Just check the connection it could also be the brushes in the starter.

 

[Kf6cmp]

so I checked the cable connections and the conections looked good. I then tried to start the truck with a very low crank and smoke pilling out of the starter. I pulled it and took it over to Napa and replaced it , for free, due to lifetime warrenty. I actually recieved cash back due to the fact that they changed suppliers and the starter has gone down in price. I replaced this starter 10 months ago!!!!! For anyone concerned, do not by the napa starter. I am soon going to Gino's garage and get the quality starter. Thanks for the Help.

 

[Bill Lins]

Gotta tell y'all- my OEM starter lasted 5 years. The NAPA reman I replaced it with lasted 9 years, and NAPA replaced it for free. Y'all tell me.

 

[Kf6cmp]

Well who know why these things happen. Sometimes it's like rolling dice.

 

[S.Morris]

I have yet to get more than a year out of the best Napa starter on any of our trucks . New OEM at least lasts as long as the first one did.

Always seem under the gun for time, so rebuilds don't happen although pulling and doing so before failure would be the best least expensive route