Alternator guage pegged out question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TennesseeZ · 12-09-2010, 03:55 PM

I may possibly have some of the particulars wrong, I'm going from memory, but think I'm real close. Buddy called me last nite, mentioned his alternator guage was "pegged out", showing I guess a severe overcharge situation. It's (IIRC) a 03 SS Silverado with (IIRC) the 6l Vortec engine. He said he already replaced the alternator (yesterday), and that did nothing to change the situation. My first thought, not being familiar with anything newer that 93, was the internal regulator. That's when he informed me he had replaced the alternator.

Anybody have experience with this, or any ideas? Thanks!

clinebarger · 12-09-2010, 04:20 PM

Check the voltage at the battery with the truck running, Should be around 13.5 to 14 volts. If that checks out good the cluster itself is most likely bad.

There are some threads here about cluster issues with the 03 & up trucks.

MattA · 12-10-2010, 03:21 PM

03 and 04s are bad about cluster problems. The needles will stick. If it does not go to zero when you turn the key off, it is probably the cluster.

TennesseeZ · 12-10-2010, 05:05 PM

Thanks guys, I'll call him tonite and follow up on both suggestions.

**bwood** · 12-10-2010, 07:33 PM

Have you/he put a meter on it and see what the actual voltage is?

TennesseeZ · 12-13-2010, 11:48 AM

He said the needle did not move when the ignition is turned off, indicating a stuck needle or malfunctioning guage. Otherwise the truck runs fine.I think he's going to contact a dealer for possible warranty repair.

12-09-2010, 03:55 PM	#1
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Alternator guage pegged out question I may possibly have some of the particulars wrong, I'm going from memory, but think I'm real close. Buddy called me last nite, mentioned his alternator guage was "pegged out", showing I guess a severe overcharge situation. It's (IIRC) a 03 SS Silverado with (IIRC) the 6l Vortec engine. He said he already replaced the alternator (yesterday), and that did nothing to change the situation. My first thought, not being familiar with anything newer that 93, was the internal regulator. That's when he informed me he had replaced the alternator. Anybody have experience with this, or any ideas? Thanks! __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies. Last edited by TennesseeZ; 12-09-2010 at 03:56 PM.

12-09-2010, 04:20 PM	#2
clinebarger Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 6,370	Re: Alternator guage pegged out question Check the voltage at the battery with the truck running, Should be around 13.5 to 14 volts. If that checks out good the cluster itself is most likely bad. There are some threads here about cluster issues with the 03 & up trucks.

12-10-2010, 03:21 PM	#3
MattA Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Plano Posts: 83	Re: Alternator guage pegged out question 03 and 04s are bad about cluster problems. The needles will stick. If it does not go to zero when you turn the key off, it is probably the cluster.

12-10-2010, 05:05 PM	#4
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: Alternator guage pegged out question Thanks guys, I'll call him tonite and follow up on both suggestions. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

12-10-2010, 07:33 PM	#5
bwood Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Denison, Texas Posts: 1,919	Re: Alternator guage pegged out question Have you/he put a meter on it and see what the actual voltage is? __________________ 1998 GMC Sierra SLE 1/2 ton 2WD 305 Vortec -Gibson Stainless Cat Back Swept Side -SS Wheels 2005 Honda CRF250R 2006 Honda CRF150F

12-13-2010, 11:48 AM	#6
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: Alternator guage pegged out question He said the needle did not move when the ignition is turned off, indicating a stuck needle or malfunctioning guage. Otherwise the truck runs fine.I think he's going to contact a dealer for possible warranty repair. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.



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