Charging Issue

[retirednak]

I drove to Anchorage yesterday to pick up the updated steering/suspension kit to get rid of the death wobble. When I started my truck after loading up the parts,I noticed that my system wasn't charging according to the gauge. After 2 or 3 minutes of driving the gauge showed it was charging again. This happened twice after 2 stops. This was with a warm engine,temps in the low 60's. In the mornings this summer,I've noticed that the grid heaters are kicking on with temps in the 50's. In fact,I can't remember the last time they haven't kicked on during a cold start this summer. I realize we don't have 70* degree weather in the AM here and I'm not sure if they are supposed to kick in at 50* degrees. Its a pain having to wait for the cycle to end before I leave.



Should I be thinking about a rebuild kit from Geno's for the alternator?

Is the grid heater acting normal? I don't remember the heaters acting this way.

 

[jelag]

In almost all cases the ECM controls alternator output and will not turn on the alternator for a few minutes to allow the engine to warm and stabilize first... I have several trucks and all of mine do the same thing... so I assume your 03 is the same... .

My 04 now has 300K miles and has never had the alternator off the truck. . so I can't imagine your ready any alternator service unless something abnormal is going on...

 

[TCDiesel]

Check the connections form right battery to left, the charging system charges the right battery and the sensor is below the left battery,If fact check all the battery connection if the crossover charge cable is loose it will behave just as stated EXCEPT the needle will same below the middle of the gage constantly,If the connection are not good/tight the right battery will Go BOMB... ... ...

 

[macdaddy]

Ive have had the same issue for over two years now. I just ignore it as long as it returns to 14V +/- im good.



It usually is back to normal when ive driven about 1/4 mile or so 3rd or 4th gear and it back into the 14V range.



It's seems to happen more on the colder mornings. (Grids Off).



Mac

 

[retirednak]

I just drove 65 miles to Anchorage,the engine wasn't turned off more then 15 minutes when I noticed the discharge on the gauge. The second time,the motor wasn't off for 5 mins. The third time about 30 mins. Maybe I'm just getting forgetful at my age,I just don't remember the charging system acting this way. It seems like the only time things go wrong are when I'm away on a small road trip. I've also noticed that when there is a lot of moisture in the air,like we've had all summer,#@$%! I get a squeaking noise for the first 5 minutes after starting. My guess its a tensioner pulley,but the noise didn't start till I pressure washed my engine at the start of summer to get rid of all the gunk.



I also have a different question relating to the alternator bracket. Mine has a small crack that I didn't catch before my warranty was up. Has anyone tried welding the bracket,rather then spending the $175 for a new one?