last night I started my truck 44deg air temp and the volt meter stayed at about ten volts, about 2 minutes later it went to normal
14.5 Approx. then it drops back down to ten the light went dim
and then back to normal. it did it again this morning, whenever I start the truck it does this for a minute or two the stops. back and forth it does this and then stops. altenator or a grid heater problem. I wouldnt think the grid heaters would pull that much power.
Thanks,
Mike

 

It is the grid heaters, my truck does the same thing..

 

is this normal ? this is my first winter with a diesel, Im not used to the Cummins engine I bought this truck 4 months ago so Im still learning. any input would be a help, when the lights go dim and the voltage drops that makes me worry
thanks!!

 

Take a look at the gauge wire going to the grid heater, you will then understand why your lights are dimming and your voltage is dropping. They use lots of juice. What you are seeing is normal.

You can now sleep at night.

 

Yes, it's normal. This is another reason your truck has two batteries.

Rusty

 

Great!! thanks yall, I thought I needed a new altenator,
I didnt think of the grid heaters until yalls replies then I did a search and found that question has been asked alot. thanks for taking the time to help.
Mike

 

When it gets cold enough the grids cycle to help warm up the engine. There are 2 grid heaters, one on top the other. Each heater draws approx 90 AMPS. quite a hefty load. If it gets cold where you live I reccomend using your block heater.

 

Now that you know the 'secret', it will be your turn to jump in and help all the other first time diesel owners who post of this cold starting phenomenon until the weather warms back up.

 

Yep normal. You probaly had your heater on full and your headlights on this adds more voltage drop. Your batteries may be a bit tired as well.

 

Then what would us moderators do?

I live for the brisk fall weather and the Diesel noobs.




phox