93 w/auto charging issue
11-22-2015, 11:38 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
93 w/auto charging issue
Hi, I have a 93 2500. Temp gauge started acting up, dash lights started flickering on and off and will drop out of overdrive randomly. Had the alternator tested, 13.7 amps, so I replaced it and belt. I still have same issue. It just started doing this as temps started dipping into the 30's. Could this be a relay issue? Air intake heater? Please help, snow's coming. Thanks!
11-22-2015, 07:33 PM
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Land of the Toxic Avenger
Posts: 6,770
Received 1,637 Likes
on
1,112 Posts
Hi, I have a 93 2500. Temp gauge started acting up, dash lights started flickering on and off and will drop out of overdrive randomly. Had the alternator tested, 13.7 amps, so I replaced it and belt. I still have same issue. It just started doing this as temps started dipping into the 30's. Could this be a relay issue? Air intake heater? Please help, snow's coming. Thanks!
Questions...
What truck do you have? 94 or 93 ? 2500 or 250 ?
13.7. Volts is charging properly with a fully charged battery, at the battery terminals. It would be higher only if the battery was low on charge, otherwise thats just about right.
What are your symptoms ?
How old is the battery ? 3 years or more should be replaced. A sure sign of a bad battery is poor starting in cold conditions. You can cell test some batteries with a hydrometer, but if it's more than a couple years old, it's time to replace with a proper cranking amp battery, and not a typical car battery.
More details will help you here
11-22-2015, 08:20 PM
#4
Registered User
Assuming it's a 93.... or maybe 94 also, common denominator is the PCM. Common fault is the body ground near the PCM. These 22 year old connections get corroded also.
The other very common fault is the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) or it's wiring. (3 connectors between the CPS and the PCM) If it drops out, OD and alternator drop out immediately.
You've already spent a bunch of money replacing perfectly good parts with unknown parts. (NEW = Never Ever Worked) Don't do that.
The fastest and least expensive path to a repair is proper diagnostics.
The other very common fault is the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) or it's wiring. (3 connectors between the CPS and the PCM) If it drops out, OD and alternator drop out immediately.
You've already spent a bunch of money replacing perfectly good parts with unknown parts. (NEW = Never Ever Worked) Don't do that.
The fastest and least expensive path to a repair is proper diagnostics.
11-22-2015, 11:32 PM
#5
Registered User
You are aware of the power draw the grid heater uses to cycle? This will cause the lights to dim down while it's putting a crap load of amps to your grid heater. Depending on the temperature outside the grid heaters can cycle for up to 5 min or more.
The OD dropping out could be a poorly adjusted CPS, or a bad connection at some point...as Mr. Martin mentioned.
The OD dropping out could be a poorly adjusted CPS, or a bad connection at some point...as Mr. Martin mentioned.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Diesel-Dan
12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
20
09-22-2019 09:34 PM
GLHS
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
9
02-25-2011 10:12 PM