2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Electrical: Volt meter shows 12v after replacing both batteries

[SGade]

I had a starting problem on my 2001,3500 ram 2wd so I went to autozone and they replaced both the batteries.

Now when I put the keys in the truck and switch in ON it shows only 12v on the voltmeter, where as it used to show 14 before I replaced the batteries.



The truck does start fine. and the voltmeter shows 14 while it is running.

Can some one explain why ?



thanks

Shashi

2001 Ram 3500 2wd AT

 

[AKAMAC]

Full charge of lead/acid battery is 13. 2 volts. The gauge shows that value as 12VDC nominal. The system will run at 13. 6 to 14. 2 regulated alternator output.

You can use a volt/ohm meter to check this. Hope this helps, Mike

 

[rbattelle]

If you're only reading 12v (check it at the batteries with the engine running), the alternator is probably not charging them. Could be a bad alternator, or a blown fuseable link.



-Ryan