2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Reads zero on volt gauge.

[broncojohn]

Hey new hear, nice forums you all have and a great site over all. Im in a lil bit of a rush right now, pretty sure I filled in my signature but incase it didnt work its a 2001 2500 4x4 with of course the 5. 9L cummins and an automatic trans. My dilema isnt horrible but need to get it fixed here shortly Im sure. My volt gauge on my dash reads zero and the "check gauges" light pops up. It read 2 codes. P1682 I believe and P 500. Truck runs fine and dandy, just its kind of spooky seeing zero volts on your dash. Im sure its a sensor or somthing like that but all the help would be great! If I had a little more time I would have done a search but I got to rush back to work, thanks John.

 

[simondog6]

I also had that happen on the way home last week on my '01. It turned out to be a loose terminal on the driver's side battery. I tightend it down and haven't had the problem since.

Simon

 

[broncojohn]

Yeah its weird now, it has gone away. Ill check the battery cables tommorow. thanks.

 

[woodsrat]

Just had this happen to my 01. Gauge went to 0 shut truck down checked it out nothing slight electrial smell. Started truck back to 14 drove it for a month no problems then back to 0 contacts inside of alternator burnt up but was still making contact. has it rebuilt for 85 bucks cheapest new one i could find in town was 160. 00

 

[broncojohn]

Yeah, well the truck runs fine and dandy. Now when I fire it up the battery meter goes up and down between a little above 8 volts to above 14 volts. Slowly back and forth then after a lil bit it settles at a little bit above 14 volts. Truck runs fine and all just dont know what it is.

 

[Fogie]

Now that last post shows the grid heaters cycling normally. I'd go thru and make sure you have all good clean connections. New dielectric grease and such. Make sure you clean all your ground connections.

 

[MHalloran]

Yeah, well the truck runs fine and dandy. Now when I fire it up the battery meter goes up and down between a little above 8 volts to above 14 volts. Slowly back and forth then after a lil bit it settles at a little bit above 14 volts. Truck runs fine and all just dont know what it is.

The fluctuation you are seeing between 8 to 14 is the air intake heaters cycling on & off. This is normal on start-up when the outside temp. is on the cooler side. Intake air must be heated for engine to run "happy" until block heats up then the heaters will not come back on until next start-up. Don't know about the "0" reading you have seen though. Loose battery terminal?

Good Luck. Mike

 

[broncojohn]

Yeah had a loose postive cable, gave it a good turn with the socket and no more 0 volts. Yeah around here its been in the 20's lately so what you said MHalloran is most likely right. Thanks for all the tips, John.