Archived Check Gauges Light - Volts @ 12

[Joe Mc]

First 911 since I purchased in 5/01.



Was darn sure that the volts were always more like 14 than 12 until the "check Gauges" light came on tonight. Is 12v or less the al;arm point? Tonight I was in a parking lot when the chime went off and then I noticed the check gauges light was lit. I was stopping to drop off used oil so I turned the head lights out and after unloading the oil the check gauges light was out. As soon as I turned the lights on the chime alarmed then check gauges lit up? I've been noticing the lower than normal voltages and slightly lower LP psi at idle. Almost like the grids were on and wrote it off to it's been cold in the am.



This normally wouldn't be a 911 but, as Murphy's Law applies, I'm planning a small trip in the early hours tomorrow morning. Any ideas - I installed the comp box & injectors last weekend only thing I messed with would be disconnecting the neg leads on both batteries. That's my first place to check in the am. I'll make sure I can start it, then shut down, remove the (1. 5 year old) batteries, check electrolyte, clean all surfaces, and connections then re-install. Any other ideas?



Thanks

 

[Joe Mc]

Wow - no ideas yet? OK It's still early sorry.

 

[DavidC]

I am still waking up, Can you check voltage at the batteries to verify 12v with engine running?. Should be 13. 6 or higher. Disconnect grid heater to be sure they are not stuck on. Ohm battery sensor under drivers batt. . Should be between 9 and 11k ohms.



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

DaveC - Went to have checked this am place closed. Mafde it into driveway @ 9 or so volts. Sensor under Driver side ohm'ed good. Disconnected Grid lead from L/battery terminal. Battery volts under 12. Would not restart w/o jump. Once started volts still about 10. Disconnected both batteries engine died. Alternator???

 

[DavidC]

Looks like alt. right now. Give me a few minutes in the manual to see if a fuse to the PCM controls this, unless someone else knows already.



Dave

 

[DavidC]

Only 2 fuses I see. Fuse # 11 10 amp inside truck and 140 amp fuse at PDC on Drivers wheel well. If both are ok the next option I guess would involve pulling alt. and have tested or take the chance and change. The field voltage comes from PDC the + side from C3 pin 25 Dark blue and the negative from C2 pin 10 Dark Green. The field voltage varies with batt. condition and I would expect full voltage with your battery as low as it is. You could start the truck and make sure you have at least full voltage (what ever Batts. are at now to rule out PCM problem). My bet is you have some diodes gone in the alt. if fuses are ok.



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

OK - Hope it's a fuse as I'm looking at $167. 50 cheapest I can find it.

 

[Joe Mc]

Fueses OK - Alt off - I'm off to have tested/buy new. I love this place!!!!

 

[DavidC]

update?



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

Thanks Dave - you were right on with you suggestions. Unfortunately, the parts houses have a bit to be desired - I called 3. The one I knew I would purchase from (local wharehouse - friend give me best prices) doesn't test they sell to shops, the other two; Autozone & Pep Boys both said sure bring it down off the truck we'll test it for you. Both places should check before they promise because when I took to both places the equipment told them "equipment doesn't support bench test for this product - must be tested on vehicale". Anyway, $164 and all is well alternator was the culpret.



Back on line 100%

 

[DavidC]

My pleasure Joe. I grew up not to far from you. 1954-1972 in Old Croydon. Last time I was back there in 2000 the same potholes were in the same places.



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

Potholes are probably still there today. Some things have changed though. There's a new 7-11 built in the North bound side at the light just south of the bowling alley. Smoking Moe's window tinting shop has expanded and taken the old carpet showroom - not much change but a little. I've been around here since 68' graduated Morrisville HS 77'.



Az is nice. We vacationed out there a few times. Did the whole Yellowstone to Grand Canyon thing. Have brother in-lay in Co Springs so we visited 3 times in 3 years during trips out. Catch you later thanks again.



Joe Mc