2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help - Check Guages Lite

[BigMike]

This morning when I started my truck, the Check Guages lite stayed on longer than usual, but then went off. I stopped at the station to fill up with diesel and when I started it back up it did the same thing. Then it came on intermitently for a few blocks along with "ding-dong" sound. Then it went off. Haven't looked at my manual yet cuz I'm at work, but thought maybe you folks could help me. All the guages appear to be working just fine. What might be the problem?

 

[Hookemupman]

This is normal its your intake grid heater thats coming on and you are noticing it more with colder temp out side ,your check gauge light is on because of your volt gauge reading low becauce of the hi amperage the heater needs. Hope this helps you

 

[KatDiesel]

Still got the orginal batteries in the truck? Whats the temperture (outside) like?



When it says check gauges, did you look at the voltmeter to see what the alternator was charging?



Could also be as simple as a loose connection behind the dash.

 

[BigMike]

Temperature is about 35 degrees. I did not pay attention to my voltage. I'll take a look at it next time I start it.



Batteries are the original.

 

[BigMike]

Went out and started it again. Did the same thing. Voltage seems a little low to start and as it comes up, the alarm stops. Does that mean my batteries are going bad or my alternator?

 

[KatDiesel]

Well since your batteries are orginal I would go get the batteries load tested, maybe they aren't accepting that great of a charge. The cycling of the grid heaters is prolly draining them pretty low if they ain't holding full charges.



At the same time I would check the 140 amp fuse thats in the black box drivers side make sure its ok.



After those check out ok I would then turn to the alternator.

 

[LSMITH]

Mike it could mean that your batteries are getting weak, your alternator is working if the voltage comes back up to 13. 5V or a little better after the heaters stop cycling. More than likely you have one battery that is getting a little weak. Stop by a Sears Auto or something on the way home and have them test your batteries. I mentioned Sears because around here they have the electronic load testers, and they work a lot better. It takes a pretty serious load tester to test our batteries. I just had one battery get weak in my 99 so I put two new Red Top Optima's in it. I am really happy with them so far. If you have one battery that is weak replace both of them, the old battery will take out the new one in short order and you will buy 2 more then.

 

[BigMike]

Turned out to be a fuse.

 

[LSMITH]

Which fuse was it Mike? In what panel?

 

[BigMike]

Don't know which fuse it was. I had taken it in for an oil change and asked them to check it out. All I know is the fuse cost $7. 30 and the labor was $32. Labor cost included a check of the charging system. Now tell me I didn't get ripped off!! They told me it was an 80 amp fuse. At lease it's fixed!!

 

[RJOL]

Originally posted by BigMike

... All I know is the fuse cost $7. 30 and the labor was $32. Labor cost included a check of the charging system. Now tell me I didn't get ripped off!! They told me it was an 80 amp fuse. At lease it's fixed!!

If the dealer worked on it and they only charged you $39. 30, they didn't do much. Sounds like they just found a bad fuse in the power dist box (the one with all the fuses/relays in it just behind the drivers side battery) and changed it... .

 

[DToy]

Voltage drop at Startup

Originally posted by BigMike

Voltage seems a little low to start and as it comes up, the alarm stops. Does that mean my batteries are going bad or my alternator?

My '99 just started doing this. I have noticed over the past month or so that it sounds a little weak when starting. We've had a few cold mornings lately and after the grid heaters cycle and I start the engine, it takes 5 to 10 seconds for the voltage to come back up to the normal range. I couldn't find any 80A fuses under the hood. Anyone else had the same problem?

 

[Andy Redmond]

He is referring to the 120 (94-97) and 140 (98 12 v. up) amp alternator fuse located in the black PDC box near the driver's battery.



An errant oil filter wrench can pop this fuse.



80 amp fuse??



Good luck

Andy