I figured I'd get a second opinion before I went out and replaced my alternator. This last week my volt gauge has been sitting right under the middle tick mark, and it seems like my batteries have no power because on cold starts it cranks a little more, then on Friday it started going up and down, from the middle of the gauge to the bottom especially when I was hitting the brakes. Then last night I had to make a quick trip to the store, and my GEN light came on the dash. From what I know it sounds like an alternator but before I go take my time to pull it and test it I just wanted a second opinion.

 

there is also a wire that runs down beside the oil pan that could be shorting out that will cuase the same issue

 

it could also be a bad pcm causing the voltage to go haywire. take it to your local auto store they should be able to test it

 

It's on the driver side correct?


I was going to go to my shop and pay the $20 and have my electrical systems checked tomorrow

 

take the voltage meter and put it on the battery with the truck running, if it comes back between 14-15 your fine, if it comes back lower try running a wiring to the small bottom post on the alt BUT ONLY FOR A COUPLE SECONDS and see if it charges. if so the pcm is bad the you can do the old pcm by pass trick (basically installing a external voltage regulator, i have a 73 dodge cornnet one in mine).

 

Autozone, get in the zone!

they will test the alt for free

 

It was the alternator... $130 later and my volt gauge won't budge an inch now.