Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Volt guage drops to 8V

[JFinke]

It's been snowing and blowing for the last three days here. While busting through drifts that are up to 5' every now and then the check guages light will come on and volt guage goes to 8V. It wont go back up until I shut truck off and restart it. Then everything is back to normal for a while. Is the alternator getting wet and shorting out, causing the computer to shut it off? It's not just the belt getting covered with snow and slipping. Anyone ever had their's do this? Any easy fixes, other than walking home the 3/4 mile in waist deep snow, or waiting the 2-3 days till plows come.

 

[Ram666]

hi my 01 ho does the same thing. I was told i needed a pcm. this seams to happen after high revs or wet conditions. lately I have not had any trouble so I will keep driving till it breaks. I had the charging system checked. it seams to be working ok. it has been to months since it last happend

 

[JFinke]

Well I guess I will just live with it as it has only done it four or five times, and only while busting through drifts. I load tested the alternator and it's right. Strange thing is that it only has done it when I am heading west, deep side of drift on RH side and wind blowing right to left across truck. The drifts are now set up so hard I drive over more of them than through and have had no more trouble. Thanks for the response. Jake

 

[Spunkys Ram]

What's happening is the PCM is seeing a wet/short load on the alternator cicuit and shuts off the alternator so it doesn't toast the rest of the electronics. It only happens when the alternator gets really wet. Once it dries out all you have to is shut the truck off and restart and everything should be alright. Had this happend on my truck about a week ago and after doing some research on TDR I found this answer. I don't know if this particular 'smart idea' will keep your alternator from eventually giving way to moisture but so far it has saved me a couple of times. Hope this gives you a better understanding of what's going on.

 

[MPalachuk]

Where in central wa, Im in Selah

 

[JFinke]

Between Ephrata and Quincy.