I had the alternator tested and it passed. I am not sure what the problem might be.
2006-07-25 13:22:25 · 13 answers · asked by Jon 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you can't figure it out, buy and install a device called the Battery Brain.
This will "disconnect" the battery when its charge gets too low. You the push a little button and you can still start your truck.
The downfall is that if you have any digital devices (radios, clocks), this device disconnects the battery, so they will need to be reprogrammed each time.
Here is the website:
http://www.batterybrain.com/
They sell them on Amazon.com too.
2006-07-25 13:35:12 · answer #1 · answered by Slider728 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The power drain thing sounds most likely. Here's how you tell if there is a drain or not: with EVERYTHING on the vehicle turned off and all doors closed and remove the bulb from your hood light if you have one that lights up when the hood is open disconnect the negative battery cable and put a 12 volt test light between the battery cable and the battery post, If the test light lights up then you either have a short in your wiring or your clock is using a mega amount of juice---seriously if that test light has enough current going through it--your battery WILL go down rather quickly. If that ain't it then check your voltage at the battery with the vehicle running for about 13.8-14.2 volts--if it's much more or less than that your charging system has a malfunction.
2006-07-25 21:55:59 · answer #2 · answered by Gary Gearfreak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How are the batteries failing? Check the liquid level every couple of weeks. It the levels are low in the cells, it's overcharging. Won't hold a charge? Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running. Should probably be around 14 V. Take the negative cable off the battery with the engine shut down and see how much spark you get when you touch the cable to the battery post. Should be a very small spark. Hard to come up with more ideas without asking some questions.
2006-07-25 20:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by DelK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whenever you stop the truck, listen to hear if you hear the fuel pump still running. Sometimes the relay sticks and it stays on.
You can have a good alternator that charges, but it still can pull a draw on the battery with the engine off.
Depending on how long it takes to kill the battery, you can remove the hot wire from the alternator, leave the truck parked for the length of time to kill the battery, then see if the battery still goes dead. If it doesn't, its the alternator.
2006-07-25 20:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove one of the battery cables and connect a test light between the end of teh cable and the battery. when first connected the test light should glow bright for 1-2 seconds then dim down. ( this is the computer memory recharging) make sure every thing is off, all doors closed so dome light doesnt affect test, and keys removed from ignition. If the light comes on bright and stays bright then start disconnecting fuses one at a time till you isolate the circuit that is causing your problem. remember if you have to have the door open, pull the dome light bulb. This goes for under hood bulbs too. If you happen to find the circuit its up to you to check indidvidual components or TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL AND STOP BUYING BATTERIES!!!
2006-07-26 00:08:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As most have said, you have something draining the battery down.. just a bulb can kill a battery in roughly one day. check the bulbs in the glove box, and underhood for staying on after being shut off (unplugging is best) if not you will have to being to a mechanic expert in electrical to find it.. and be prepared to be without the truck for a few days (last one took me day and a half to find it working on and off)
2006-07-25 22:59:52 · answer #6 · answered by gearbox 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a parasitic drain. at night after you shut it off look and listen for anything that could be draining power. if that doesnt help youll have to pull groups of 3 fuses out at a time overnight until you can narrow down which circuit is draining.
2006-07-25 20:29:19 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There could be a short in the wiring that causes a slow power leak.
2006-07-25 20:25:47 · answer #8 · answered by ironcityveteran 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe thre regulater. Most car parts dealers can check that for you. If it isn't that it may be a "Dead "short. That is a hot to ground cross somewhere.
2006-07-25 20:27:42 · answer #9 · answered by Scott E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check your cables from alt to battery,short in stereo equipment,dome light roller switch, even your glove box light could be stuck on
2006-07-26 00:58:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋