I have already replaced the battery with the correct battery. However, if I let the truck sit for a couple of weeks without starting, the battery is drained again. I put a charger on the battery and it charged in less than one hour with no problems. I then decided to try the truck after 3 days, the truck started...but I noticed the gauge jumping around for a couple of minutes. It finally did stabilize at 12 volts. Any ideas?
2007-01-14 10:13:14 · 8 answers · asked by coachls 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
try this befor you go buying parts and spending $
take the Truck to AutoZone and have them test the chargeing styem and that will tell you if your Battery or Alternator or Voltage Regulator is going bad or get weak and then they will tell you how much it will be for a new part
it only takes less then 10 mins for AutoZone to test it and it's FREE
hope this helps
2007-01-14 11:33:16 · answer #1 · answered by davedebo198305 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need a cheap VOM (volt ohm meter). A fully charged automotive battery fresh off the assembly line makes 12.66V (not 14.4). Higher voltages can be read when the battery comes off a charge, but that "surface charge" will dissipate when a load is put on the battery. Clean the terminals and check for voltage on the battery. Start the vehicle, and check the voltage at the output of the alternator, then at the battery positive. If there is a drop of greater than 0.5V, you have a bad cable. If no change, watch the voltage for 3-4 minutes. it should climb slowly to no more than 14.4V. If it does, bad regulator.
2016-05-24 02:04:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would sound like a bad alternator with a Diode that is letting the current run back from the battery after you shut-off the engine,or it could be a bad regulator.
2007-01-14 10:32:04 · answer #3 · answered by grasshopper 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most likely its the voltage regulator. But it depends on what kind of truck you have. Its could be a light stuck on or power draw. Try taking it to a mechanic.
2007-01-14 10:42:04 · answer #4 · answered by Tasha 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither - there is probably something that isn't turning off, which is draining the battery while the truck is parked. It may be a light that's staying on or something similar.
2007-01-14 10:17:43 · answer #5 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
that is perfectly normal for older volt guages to jump a little // nothing wrong drive on sister drive on
2007-01-14 10:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by toadyboy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a draw, or the alternotor diode trio. have the alt checked out if its fine then you have a draw.
2007-01-14 11:46:09 · answer #7 · answered by vettle1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have the alternator looked at
2007-01-14 10:17:43 · answer #8 · answered by Clint S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋