My truck has left me stranded a couple of times the past few weeks. The batteries are about 3 yrs old. I've noticed lately that when I start the engine the charge needle takes a while to reach the 14 v mark. I just thought it was the batteries but could it be the alternator or both?

 

More likely the alternator. Go to a parts place and get them to individually load test your batteries. You can also pull your alt and get that tested. Takes all of 10 minutes to pull it. Pull the 140 amp fuse in the PDC before pulling the alt, saves $30 incase you pop it. Dealer only item I found.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll do the individual tests first thing in the morning.

 

Also need to check all bat cablesand charging leads to assure connections. Have had cables corrode away from terminals. Generally can find some cable swelling.

 

Thanks to all that responded. The alternator turned out good and both batts were dead. I replaced with Optima red top 800cca batts. Hurt in the wallet but from what I've heard, worth it.

 

would tell you how good optima's are but don't know yet been switching my stuff over in the last six years and have no failures yet have 8 optima's total oldest set 6 years oldin an 2001 2500 .