99 2500 4x4. Had my oil changed at a Valvoline express station which I had to stay in the truck. They had trouble getting the new filter on and while doing so there was a big spark with smoke on the pass side. Truck was fine then 2 days later warning sound and noticed battery is minimal charge just above red. Fired it up on Sun for 15 min, plugged it in overnight and would not turn over on Mon. Alt is 3-4 yrs old, went and traded in both batteries--under warranty. New ones in fired it up and will keep about 1/4 charge. Between low red and middle. Any ideas what could have happened to cause it to stay low charge with 2 brand new batteries? Thank you for the help.

 

The idiots shorted the oil filter on the 12 volt stud on the alternator.

It almost surely took out the 120 or 140 amp bolt down fuse in your PDC ( Fuse block under the hood ) Take the cover off, and look at the 10 gauge or so wire coming in to the terminal, there is a fuse bolted down between that and the PDC. Either can get at the junkyard, or most auto parts stores carry them.

 

Thank you for the reply and will take a look tomorrow. It was a big spark and some smoke. Not going there again.

 

LOL, Don't hold them too close to the flame. You might be curious as to how we know what is wrong?

We have done the same thing, now granted, not with an oil filter, but if they were struggling, I could see it happening.

I keep a spare in the truck just in case............

 

Fuse was blown and bought 2. Noted it is easy to happen. $30.00 less on the oil change then some other places here in town. Thanks again for the help