Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Charging problem

[KMott]

I lost my multimeter last week, so i cant do the real test. I noticed my voltage gauge has been sitting fairly low, and doesnt seem to change from when the truck isnt and is running.

Will low voltage trigger the check engine light? The light came on tonight and that was when i noticed the gauge was looking kind of low.

I also tried disconnecting both of the negative terminals while the truck was running and it quit, and if i remember right if the alternator is working the truck should stay running.



Any input would be great!

 

[JWestley]

the alternator should keep the truck running, so it sounds like the alternator might be on the outs. Take your truck up to a autozone, they will do an alternator check and battery check to see where your problem might be

 

[KMott]

I think your right about the alternator, im going to get a multimeter and test it on monday.



I checked the code out and it came up as a 34, which is a 'open or shorted condition detected in the speed control vacuum or vent solenoid circuits'



I have a whole bunch of fried wires under my column (the ones that run all the way up the column). Not sure if one of those could be causing the problem.



I found even more good news underneath checking some other stuff out and was looking at the vacuum lines that go the front axle for the 4x4, i tried to pull the plug off and the one fitting had been repaired with a piece of wire housing because the metal fitting had rusted off. Maybe thats where all the vacuum is being lost...



Thanks again for any suggestions

kevin

 

[hsmith]

Don't do your repairs on Auto Zone's testing alone. Get a reputable shop do a diagnosis first!