What sensors/conditions will trip the Check Gauges light?


I was driving my 07 diesel the other day and it came on.

Nothing appeared abnormal with the gauges or fluid levels.

 

Well the volt gauge is well to the left. Even when the heater is on after a cold start mine doesn't go that far left. If the heater had shut off by when the picture was taken, I'd be checking a voltage issue at the battery and/or alternator for starters.

 

Well I got 12.03v at the Drivers side and 17.5v at the passenger side just after startup (100f outside)

With all lights on, A/C, it dropped to 11.69v on Drivers side with the passenger side still overcharging @ 17.5v.

So it appears I have a faulty charging system or ?????. Batteries are less than 6m old.. course at 17v one is probably fried now!

 

No, your assumption is incorrect. It means your two batteries have a faulty, resistive or corroded connection between them. There should be no difference in voltage between the two batteries ever.

 

Nailed it Steve. I had already pulled and cleaned the terminals even though they appeared clean. However upon further inspection, I was also getting the 17v in the crossover cable but not in my drivers side battery. I pulled the locking lug bolt off the drivers side cable and cleaned in between the surfaces. Both batteries show 14.5v now ("Cold" start @ 88F).