Voltage Gauge

[Archive]

In driving it almost everyday,I never payed any attenion to how much the voltage gauge moves during the warm up cycle. When I start mine the needle moves just beyond the 14v notch. As it cycles,the load drops it just below the 14v notch. Does everyone else's do the same during warm up? It's probably less than 1v,and other than the lights dimming I don't remember the gauge moving at all.

-Mike

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99 QC2500 4x4,5spd,LWB,
LSD,3. 54,Amethyst,Agate, SLT,Fogs,Camper,Trailer, Slider,MidlandCB,2wd-low,
Smittybilt bars,Y2k alloys,Straight pipe 3",6-disc Clarion changer, No silencer ring.

Disciple of BOMB
"RATTLE & HUM"

 

[Archive]

It's normal. Your post cycle heater will run for 3 minutes after starting when below 59 degrees or you drive over 18mph. (whichever comes first. ) and voltage meter will drop at least 1v or more momentarily then back over the 14v mark. lights and accessaries will dim.

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Y2K, 2500, SLT, QC, LB, 4x4,Cummins of course, 3. 54,Michelin M&S265/75,driftwood, tow and camper, trip computer, sliding rear window, agate leather,cab lights and all the rest of the options I could fit, including auto (my wifes request),Ventshade Vent Visors, Bedliner, Diamond Plate rail caps and tailgate protector, diamond plate Delta tool box, Sidewinder anti-theft alarm with keyless entry, Sanyo wireless remote 10 disc CD player, Midland 77-115 40 CB.

 

[Archive]

Hello

Our 1996 has always moved the volt guage during warmup. You also can hear the engine pull down slightly from the added load on the alternator, if you listen close.

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Eric Andersen
1996 2500 4*4 5spd

 

[Archive]

Thanks guys,
I know the cycle takes three minutes and the load it puts on,but I don't normally sit in the truck while it cycles... That's why I never knew the guage moved. I only started paying attention since the attemped theft of my rig. They broke the ignition swith in the "start" position and every electrical component stayed on all night draining the batteries low. I just wanted to make sure they didn't screw up anything else, especially the manifold heaters from being on and the truck not running.

-Mike

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99 QC2500 4x4,5spd,LWB,
LSD,3. 54,Amethyst,Agate, SLT,Fogs,Camper,Trailer, Slider,MidlandCB,2wd-low,
Smittybilt bars,Y2k alloys,Straight pipe 3",6-disc Clarion changer, No silencer ring.

Disciple of BOMB
"RATTLE & HUM"

 

[Archive]

Hello, Mike. Mine does it too. I was wondering if a heavier duty alternator would stop this condition?

Wayne
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'96 3500 ext cab, 2wd, auto trans, all stock, all black

[This message has been edited by Wayne Patterson (edited 12-06-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

Nothing to worry about. Just wait until the engine has completed its cycle and drop it in gear. Of the two diesels I've had in my short 20 yrs. I've never had them jump right up and maintain power.

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'99 2500QC 4x4, LWB, 3. 54, auto, White w/lower driftwood, all options except leather, stainless bedrail caps,door sill guards, illuminated ram logo on hood, tandem axle mobile wash unit(3200psi, 7gpm, 0-250deg. ) Dad owns a PowerChoke

 

[Archive]

Okay,now I'm gonna throw you guys a curve ball...
Yesterday I left home to go to the car wash 2 blocks down the street to wash the truck before the bodyshop got it and of course it didn't warm up in that little trip. When I was done I started the truck up and the guage only came up to 13v! I raised the RPM to 1500+ so I can get full amp going and the guage dropped to 10v,let off the pedal and it went back to 13v. I repeated twice and it did the same. I got out checked all fuses/ connections and everything was fine. I was pissed and wanted to see if it would do it during driving and by the time I got to the stoplite on the corner it jumped up to 14v and stayed there. I heven't replaced the ignition switch yet and I'm sure it was the cause. I'll let you know when I get it back.

-Mike

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99 QC2500 4x4,5spd,LWB,
LSD,3. 54,Amethyst,Agate, SLT,Fogs,Camper,Trailer, Slider,MidlandCB,2wd-low,
Smittybilt bars,Y2k alloys,Straight pipe 3",6-disc Clarion changer, No silencer ring.

Disciple of BOMB
"RATTLE & HUM"