Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Batteries or alternator?

[Kalaehina]

Hi guys, over the last 2 weeks I've noticed my truck has been starting weaker and weaker. Yesterday morning the engine will turn over weak and cannot start. My batteries are about 3 years old, my alternator is original. I swapped the battery positions last week, over the years that usually did the trick and the truck would start strong again. This time it didn't work, but I did notice that the battery originally on the pass side, then swapped to the driver side (starter side), had a trickle streak of acid and slight warping of the battery side. So I know this battery is bad, but does it seem like my alternator is over charging? Or the battery is just bad. Is there a voltage regulator? Could that be bad? And is there a way I can test it? My truck has been running great for years, so I haven't tinkered with it for awhile so I'm a little rusty on my mechanics. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!

 

[GAmes]

Auto Zone and other places will load test your batteries for free. Warpage and leaking acid are bad things. If the batteries test OK it may be time for a set of Larry B contacts.

 

[hsmith]

As Gary said, have them load tested. ONE AT A TIME. Disconnect the ground cable from either one and have them tested.

If one is weak, replace both. Larry B's contacts are a good idea even if the new batteries seem to solve the problem.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Kalaehina,There is a Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) located with in the PCM. The Battery Tempature sensor and ASD relay (sends line voltage readings) sends data to the EVR so it can determine the Alternator output.



What was your voltmeter reading the last couple of weeks?



My last set of optima's bit the dust slowly. Had the starter tested and it checked out OK, I took the red tops to interstate to be checked out. they were bad, two new optimas and the Mule fired right up.

 

[JMcCoy]

All have given good advise. I would like to add that if your battery is swelled and leaking, I would replace it before doing any testing. The damage is already done if it was cause by the electrucal system. Then I would immediately have the system tested. I bought a simple load tester from i believe Bennet Auto. It's good to have around. Good luck.

 

[rrl989]

If it turns out your batts are good, assuming you have not done already,you could probably use new starter contacts and alternator brush kit.

 

[JHenry]

You need to replace both batteries. Don't just replace the one with the warped case. The two need to be of equal capacity.

 

[Kalaehina]

Hey guys! Thanks for all the great advice. Ended up replacing both batteries, and everything seems to be going good for now. I am still going to test the alternator and check the voltage regulator, but I really needed her running again, which is why I just replaced the batteries for now. Thanks again guys!

 

[Kalaehina]

Oh yeah, new starter too, old one had a free spinning post, the one the small black wire connects to, don't know if this played a part in my problem or not??