Heck of a time with my truck
 

I was driving home this morning from work with my lights on when I noticed that the voltage meter was ready 10, it was over 12 when I left work. I was almost home and the truck started to stall on and off and the lights went dim and the volt meter was almost 0 then my truck quit. My wife had to come and boost me and I still only got a block down the road and the engine quit again so I left it there until I got some sleep. It must be my generator but I don’t know enough about engines. And advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Greg
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Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

Charge the battery and start the truck , disconnect the battery cable while its running
If it dies your alternator is shot
If it still runs check your cables and connections

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

Thanks for such a quick response!!

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

That test always works for me, if you do not have a volt meter handy. Has for years.

My guess is that your voltage regulator went out. If not that, the gen/alt. What year is your truck?

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

I would take the battery to an auto Parts house and have it tested. Sounds like it has a dead cell in it. Where I live, batteries only last about 3 years tops. Good luck!

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

he said his volt meter was 0 a volt gauge or an amp meter? 0 means no charging.

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

It’s a volt gauge. It is a brand new battery also but could still be a bad new one I guess.

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

So recharge the battery. Hook the voltmeter to + and - on the battery. Should read about 12.3 volts. Now, start up the truck. Run it up to about 1500 RPM. Voltmeter should read about 13.5 volts. Up to 1.5 volts more is OK.
Now, turn the lights on bright and the heater fan at full speed. Run it back up to 1500 RPM. Does the voltmeter read the same or less than the 12.3 or whatever you got with the truck not running?

If yes, there's a problem in the charging system.

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

Thanks a lot. I’ll get that after work today. I appreciate the help. Right now I’m thinking it’s my generator.

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

Voltage regulators are cheap so I'd start with one of those after doing some testing. :chevy:

Re: Heck of a time with my truck
 

Missed it. Found my problem anyways. Bad wire is all it was. Thanks for the help everyone!! I learned about a lot of trouble shooting ideas. Love this forum