Electrical Issue?

[WarEagleDiesel]

I have noticed that, periodically, my headlights (if on) will dim, dome lights (if on) will dim, dashboard illumination will dim, a/c or heater fan will slow, etc. , simultaneously, and only for a short period of time, on my ’09, 6. 7 equipped Ram (fully stock). This will happen in cold or warm weather, engine cold or hot, while idling or driving, towing or not. I do not notice a decrease in engine power when this occurs while driving, and the speaker volume is not be affected. I have not been able to establish a pattern to this occurrence, and, (I think) it has been happening since I bought the truck (new) in December ’08, just thought it might be an idiosyncrasy to the operation of a diesel powered truck. But a buddy questioned me on it, so now I am concerned. Questions below.



Is this normal?

Has anyone else been experiencing this?

Can anyone suggest why this occurs?

Anything I should check (i. e. alternator current output, loads pulled by certain equipment/components, etc. )?

Could it be that I do not have a large enough fuse installed somewhere?



Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Jim W]

I think your grid heaters maybe turning on and heating up the intake air to the engine. I would have the dealer check the functionality of the system to insure that it is working correctly. Or he can trace the electrical system to see if there are any other problems.

Since this is an 09 you should still be under warranty.

Jim

 

[jelag]

I had an 08 5500 while I owned my business..... I noticed that the grid system would come on at times when I knew that it wouldn't come on with my 05 3500... I just assumed that the program for the newer emission systems required that to come on to allow the engine to idle or run with less fuel or less emissions when the air temperature was so cold that emission issues came into play.....

I sold the 08 with 140K trouble free miles... . it was never back to the dealer... .

 

[Prairie Dog]

It's just your grids working ~ nothing to worry about.

 

[carisu]

It's just your grids working ~ nothing to worry about.

totally normal as stated