Help! 2013 2500 Won't Start

[2013megacab]

Away from home camping. Truck ran fine for two days on the way up here to Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Went to go somewhere around noon and the truck wouldn't start. It was cool overnight, but not cold, so I got the Preheat message and then it just went away. It has done this before and I would hit the start button again and the truck would start. This time it went into preheat again and dropped out. I hit the button and it was like the starter engaged and immediately disengaged. No relay clatter, no cranking. I checked to voltage in the EVIC and it read 10 volts. Not good, I figure, probably batteries. To confirm I disconnected both battery negative terminals and let the batteries rest. Checking with a digital meter, bhey both read 12.6. Hmmmm, that's the proper voltage for a fully charged battery. Now I am confused.

I remember on the way up here while I was looking for a stored message in the EVIC I ran through the battery voltage and it read 13. I thought at the time that was low, probably should read 14.2 or so, so maybe dead alternator but that doesn't sound right given that the batteries are at 12.6.

Any assistance or suggestions would be appreciated.

Al

 

[sag2]

12.6 isn't terrible for batteries that have sat for a while. If the voltage when they were installed in the truck and the ignition was on was 10v, most of the modules are going to get pertty cranky. I would at least have them charged and see what they do then. Running voltage depends on temperature but should be somewhere between 13.5 and 14.4.

 

[gsbrockman]

Any assistance or suggestions would be appreciated.

Al

With help from a friend....check the battery voltage while the starter is engaged / cranking. I think you'll find your batteries are done.

 

[2013megacab]

With help from a friend....check the battery voltage while the starter is engaged / cranking. I think you'll find your batteries are done.

That's what I'm thinking. I ran that test, but the starter only engaged for a fraction of a second. I have a digital meter and the voltage dropped to about 11.5 volts but I'm not confident in the reading. I'm going to pull them in the AM and take them to get tested and probably replaced. It started pouring rain just as I was getting ready to pull them earlier tonight.

Thanks,

Al

 

[2013megacab]

Well the two batteries in the truck tested to have less total cranking amps than one good battery. Replaced both and all is good.

Thanks everyone for the help.


Al