Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hard Starting

[wrichards]

When I start my truck the "check guages" light is staying on longer than normal. So I look at the guages and the Voltmeter is showing discharge. When it returns to normal the light goes out. Now when the truck is warm and sits for a while 2-3 hous at a job when I go to restart batteries sound weak.



Heres where I am at. Batteries are 10 months old. Battery cable connector on drivers side is oblonged and Im not sure if it is getting a good connection.



Question is how do I determine if alternator, batteries or connections are the problem?

 

[JohnE]

Go to the power distribution box under the hood and next to the driver's side battery. Check the alternator fuse. If you touched the oil filter case to the power lug on the alternator it will zap the fuse.



You definitely need a good connection on the positive side, but also check your ground wire attachments. They could be loose or corroded and part of the trouble.



Another consideration is your commute cycle. It takes many minutes to fully recharge the batteries after powering the grid heaters and starting the truck.



What kind of batteries did you install 10 months ago? If they're Exide then I can understand the weak start. The recommended Exide replacement batteries are very undersized for a diesel. I wished I had gone with Interstate.



Good luck and hth

 

[wrichards]

Thanks I will check those tommorrow. I installed two new batteries from the dealar they are the ones that came with the truck so I figuered they would be fine.

 

[WDaniels]

How many miles on your truck? There is a slip ring in the alternator that needs to be replace at about 110,000 miles. I hade 125 on mine when I had it done and it was worn through in one place. The tech said I wouldn't have gotten another 5 thousand out of it before it trashed the alt. Hope this helps.

WD