Battery Charge

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I have a 96 Ram with the CTD and lately I have noticed the water appears to be boiling out of one or more cells on the neg side of the bat. on both battery's. My ampmetter shows that the altenator is only charging 14 volts,I have checked the cells with an hydrometer and it reads good. I know that the chargeing system feeds through the A. S. R. and the Battery temp sensor through the PCM. Does anyone have any idea's on what chould be the cause? 1996 Ext Cab,Auto,4x2,Red,Egr,Trans Temp,Boost Gauge,TST #8,3. 54,87,000 Miles

------------------Well here is what I found,the battery temp sensor checked out good, so I bent the contacts in the connector a little to make better contact and put every thing back to geather,then I took the truck for a drive(60 miles) and found that the charging system was no longer over charging any more. When you have acid boiling out of your battery,it is an over charge condition and will damage the bat. If you feel the sides of you battery and they feel like they bulge, that is caused by over charge. The negitive bat post was getting so hot that it melted the plastic wrap around the positive cable. Thanks for your help and sorry it took solong to repley, I siged up with a new internet provider.


[This message has been edited by BillTanziniSr (edited 09-21-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

It is normal for your volt meter to read about 14v when the system is charged. When the system is low your voltmeter will drop to as low as 8 volts until the bateries are charged back up to nominal voltage.

Most batteries boil a little as they charge. If there is too much electrolyte with it buble out. The electrolyte level will varry with temperatrue and air pressure.

If it is starting ok, and the lights dont dim, there may not be anything wrong. However I would neutralize the spill over with Baking soda and water.

I am not a 1996 Dodge mechanic or expert on the Desiel engine, but these are some general guidelines to help you determine if ther is somthing wrong.

Hope this helps.



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1995 4X4 std cab 12 valve, original owner, 100k miles, banks stinger plus (14cm turbo, 3 1/2" exhaust, EGT and Boost guage, #7 torque plate in TST lingo, 215 injectors, AFC spring kit, Pscotty air on the way, 3. 54 rear, 17. 5" American Racing aluminum wheels, Mickey Thompson MTX's, Rancho's and Helwig on the way, Starcraft camper and assundry dodad's. Only thing faster than a 12 valve is my Ducati 4 valve

 

[Archive]

Bill the battery temp is under drivers side battery. Should be easy enough to check out it and connections. If its charging ASD relay is working. Over charging could caused by EVR(inside of PCM) or battery temp sensor. From reading manual it appears that when battery is cold voltage is increased until battery warms up.
I agree if water(electrolyte) level is high could bubble over.
Fast charging can cause this too. Usually when using battery charger.
I would think with hydrometer test coming out OK, everything is working.