Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Grid heater problem... Help!!

[Chipstien]

So I just had my third altenater die in a short death. (2 remans bit the dust within a week each). So I drove straight home and parked it then went out. Lateer that evening I went back out to try and start it and there was NOTHING. After opening the hood I imediatly noticed discolorization of the intake horn and some melted wire. Yep, the grid heaters somehow stayed on. So is this a obvious case of the heater relay going bad or should I look elsewhere and if so where? And do you think this is the root of the altenater problem? If the heaters were staying on while driving then it would seem to be excess stress on the altenater. Any suggestions?

 

[Chipstien]

And is the grid heater relay something I can get at a normal auto parts store or Cummins store? Or is this a dealer only item? Anyone know a part number?



thanks.