Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Low Voltage ?

[DLausche]

This winter I have been getting a "Check Gauges" light come on most of the time after I start when it is cold out. The voltage gauge looks low when the light is on. I stuck my RV cig lighter type digital volt meter in the dash outlet and it says about 11. 4 volts when the check gauges light is on. It will cycle between 11. 4 and 13. 8 or so as the heater grid cycles on and off. All the same time my fuel pump pressure goes up and down with the voltage. Batteries were replaced summer/fall of 2005.

I have not yet load tested the batteries but I think I should probably do so.

So, is it normal or not that the system voltage drops down to ~11. 4 after just starting when the grid heaters are cycling?

Things I think about to check are obviously the batteries and also maybe the alternator. Not sure if the alternator should be able to keep up with the high current demand of the grid heaters though since it is only at an idle speed.

-Deon

 

[Bob Cochran]

I don't know for sure the voltage drops to 11. 4 volts but it would not surprise me. What you describe is exactly how mine acts when I start and it is cold and have not plugged it in.