2006-11-04 12:48:11 · 4 answers · asked by pinatajohn 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Get a volt meter and check the charge that you are getting for yourself at the batteries. That will immediatly tell you if it is the alternator or the gauge. A good charge will be between 13.5 and 15.5 volts with the engine running. Anything under that with a steady decrease in voltage while the truck is running will point to a bad alternator
2006-11-04 13:02:06 · answer #1 · answered by Just a guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can test the gauge by turning on the headlights with the engine off and see if it indicates a drain. You can also leave to headlights on for an hour and start the engine. That should make the gauge jump up. Just check the battery with a voltmeter when you start it. You should get 14 volts or so if it's charging.
2006-11-04 21:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A '97? it is more likely a faulty guage. If you start losing battery, THEN worry about the alternater.
2006-11-04 20:51:52 · answer #3 · answered by rswdew 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
test your battery Maybe time for a new battery
2006-11-04 20:53:51 · answer #4 · answered by sony19390 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋