Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JAB'70 · 05-03-2009, 05:46 PM

Here is the symptom(s). Drove my truck to work Friday, about 40 miles both ways. Came home parked it for about 2 hours. Drove it later that that night to met for wife for dinner (about 20 miles round trip). Left the eatery, then had to make a stop before heading home. When I came out of the store, would not start. It barely turned over, I inspected everything then came to the conclusion that the battery was dead. Called my son who came and gave me a jump. while heading home (about a 5 mile drive) The lights and instrument panel dimmed and the radio would not come on. Any comments???

cdowns · 05-03-2009, 05:56 PM

simple things // have you checked the fluid level in the battery? have you disconnected the battery cables and cleaned both ends of both cables?

**truckdude239** · 05-03-2009, 05:58 PM

if your headlights dimed its the alt and voltage reg sounds like it is time for a internal Volatge regulator alt swap

i did it to mine cost about 40 buxs and took 30 mins

jim zag · 05-04-2009, 06:10 AM

Charge the battery, then try this, with the engine running put a voltmeter across the battery. Start turning on stuff like the lights and heater fan etc. It should read between 13.8 and 14.8 volts. To check the battery with the ignition unplugged or coil wire grounded you should be able to crank the engine for 15 seconds and the voltage should not drop below 9.6.

**DANTIP** · 05-04-2009, 07:19 AM

Exactly as Jim said. My guess is your charging system is not working. Always check components at an auto parts store (FREE). Secondly always clean and tighten all connections.

JAB'70 · 05-04-2009, 09:55 AM

Well I suspect it's the alternator. I changed my battery last night but haven't had to the chance to check it thing out. My intentions are to do as Jim suggested. I just wanted to throw it out there for other opinions. Thanks for the input.

05-03-2009, 05:46 PM	#1
JAB'70 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 54	Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? Here is the symptom(s). Drove my truck to work Friday, about 40 miles both ways. Came home parked it for about 2 hours. Drove it later that that night to met for wife for dinner (about 20 miles round trip). Left the eatery, then had to make a stop before heading home. When I came out of the store, would not start. It barely turned over, I inspected everything then came to the conclusion that the battery was dead. Called my son who came and gave me a jump. while heading home (about a 5 mile drive) The lights and instrument panel dimmed and the radio would not come on. Any comments???

05-03-2009, 05:56 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? simple things // have you checked the fluid level in the battery? have you disconnected the battery cables and cleaned both ends of both cables? __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-03-2009, 05:58 PM	#3
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,233	Re: Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? if your headlights dimed its the alt and voltage reg sounds like it is time for a internal Volatge regulator alt swap i did it to mine cost about 40 buxs and took 30 mins __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 05-03-2009 at 05:59 PM.

05-04-2009, 06:10 AM	#4
jim zag ENGINE BUILDER Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Shortsville n.y. Posts: 344	Re: Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? Charge the battery, then try this, with the engine running put a voltmeter across the battery. Start turning on stuff like the lights and heater fan etc. It should read between 13.8 and 14.8 volts. To check the battery with the ignition unplugged or coil wire grounded you should be able to crank the engine for 15 seconds and the voltage should not drop below 9.6. __________________ JIM ZAG

05-04-2009, 07:19 AM	#5
DANTIP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Posts: 1,882	Re: Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? Exactly as Jim said. My guess is your charging system is not working. Always check components at an auto parts store (FREE). Secondly always clean and tighten all connections.

05-04-2009, 09:55 AM	#6
JAB'70 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 54	Re: Battery, Alternator or Voltage Regulator? Well I suspect it's the alternator. I changed my battery last night but haven't had to the chance to check it thing out. My intentions are to do as Jim suggested. I just wanted to throw it out there for other opinions. Thanks for the input.



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