Check Gauge Light

[BLACKRAM]

I had the mechanic finish up some BOMBing details like the Mag-Hytek Trans pan today. He bumped the battery and got a little jolt. Then I noticed the voltage gauge was reading low on the drive home. Now the Check Gauge light is on, and voltage is showing about 10. The batteries are the OEM parts that have been in the vehicle 26 months. Do I need new batteries? or is something else screwed up? If its batteries, who has the best? Diehard? Interstate? Optima?

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1999 2500 4x4, auto, 3. 54 LS, HD241, Quad cab SLT, Blk Sport Pkg, 16x8 Eagles, 285 Bridgestone AT, Amsoil, 80/100w lights, Valentine One, DTT TC/vb, DD2's, DD TTPM, Isspro gauges.
1992 SC400
1978 Mooney 201 IFR

 

[RobbyRam]

Try this before panic :
Turn your key to the on position '3' times, and off '3' times, the finally go to the 'on' position. See what happens. If you have a real problem, the 'check engine' light will stay on. However, If there's nothing wrong, your 'check engine' light will go out for good! I hope the latter #ad


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Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4, 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie,"EZ",DTT VB,DD2's,LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[JJMiller]

I had the "check guages" light come on once because the voltmeter was reading low. It seemed that for some reason, the system wasn't charging. After going into panic mode for a couple of minutes, I turned the truck off, waited about a minute, and turned it back on. It started, and the voltmeter came back up. I don't know what it's problem was, but it's never happened again.

The "check guages" light is different from the "check engine" light. The guages light comes on when the temp guage, oil pressure guage, or voltmeter are close to the red zones, and turns itself off when everything is okay. It dosn't set a code in the ECM, so you shouldn't have to do the on-off-on-off-on-off trick.

As for batteries-- I doubt that a short across a battery for a second or two would be enough to kill a battery to the point of having to replace it. Good luck.

--J

 

[SteveE]

He bumped the battery and got a little jolt. Then I noticed the voltage gauge was reading low on the drive home. Now the Check Gauge light is on, and voltage is showing about 10.

Probably should check the alternator fuse,sounds like it is blown.
Steve

 

[David Wheeler]

JJMiller:

I'm not sure the ECM doesn't set a code after the "check gauges" light is lit. Mine fired one off after my oil pressure gauge went to zero (read: instant panic). It set a P1693 (the mystery code). Tech. didn't reset after replacing the sending unit. Not in any hurry to go back #ad
Your thoughts?

David

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2001 Ram 3500 Quad 4x4, ETH/DEE

"REAL TRUCKS RATTLE!!"

 

[BLACKRAM]

Where is the alternator fuse located? I bet this problem is something very minor.

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1999 2500 4x4, auto, 3. 54 LSD, HD241, Quad cab SLT, Blk Sport Pkg, 16x8 Eagles, 285 Bridgestone AT, Amsoil, 80/100w lights, Valentine One, DTT TC/vb, Mag-Hytek trans pan, DD2's, DD TTPM, Isspro gauges.
1992 SC400
1978 Mooney 201 IFR

 

[JJMiller]

Originally posted by David Wheeler:

I'm not sure the ECM doesn't set a code after the "check gauges" light is lit

No code here. Perhaps it dosn't set one for low voltage... . Isn't speculation great?


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John Miller

'01 2500 Quad Cab, ETC-DDX, SLT, Long Bed 4X4, Tow, Travel, 3. 54, Camper spl, Forest Green, Line-X
bed liner, silencer ring removed, guages on order

 

[BLACKRAM]

Well the dealership found the problem. It is the regulator in the ECM.

 

[JB @ C and L Machine]

Originally posted by 2000ney:
Where is the alternator fuse located? I bet this problem is something very minor.

Its in the PCM under the hood. On my 99 its the 1st one(facing the engine) it has 2 lil screws holding it in. . JB