Charging System

[SWithrow]

My voltage gauge (2003 2500 SLT 4X4 with 80K) takes a few minutes to rise above 14 volts, I had a bad battery code but cleared the code a month prior and haven't had it repeat. (both batteries have green eyes)Would a bad battery cause this delay in the charging system?



Should I install gel batteries ($$$)? I do run 4 100watt Hellas along with stock lights?

 

[Prairie Dog]

You need to fill out your truck profile so we know what you have. My 03 doesnt let the V meter respond until I hit something like 25 mph. Newer trucks have a s/w change that allows the meter to read real voltage all the time but I dont know when this change was implemented.

Also, Gels wont provide any more power than normal batteries.



Scotty

 

[Pawpaw]

Some info about what truck you have would be helpful.



Actually, what you describe sounds completely normal if you're talking about on cold start only. When the underhood temp is below 66 degrees F, the grid heaters will continue to cycle for a while. Your lights and voltmeter will fluctuate while this is happening. It will continue until the underhood temp rises above 66 =or= the vehicle speed exceeds 18 mph.



This is for '03 and up. Hope it helps.



Bob

 

[Prairie Dog]

Actually the 03 meter wont fluctuate, Dodge just holds it low until you get moving so people don't call the dealer asking why their meter is swinging. They changed this later.

 

[Pawpaw]

I didn't know that. Thanks for the edjumication!



Bob