went to dealer with problem. they say alternator is putting out fine. but the problem is still there.the lights only dime at idle not running down hwy. I am starting to believe this truck is a real P.O.S iF anyone can shed some light on this matter it would be a blessing

 

It is perfectly normal. Your grid heaters draws quite a bit of juice, hence the cycling of dim lights. Read more about it here https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=121337.

 

^^^right. And thats' the grid heaters cycling between each other. The grid heaters heat the incoming air coming into the engine during cold and inclement weather.


On another note, I'm surprised the dealership didn't tell you that, grid heaters have been in effect for a long time.

 

thankyou brothers. with the quik responce. I have learned something I had no clue of

 

I've been at this sport for 10 years now and its inevitable that someone asks this question every winter. Search is your friend.

Read more, post less.

 

If people post less you would no longer have a forum. You should lighten up. I realize I might get flamed over this but oh well. I see the same posts over and over all the time, but no one says anything. You know why? Because thats what the forum is here for.

Marshall

 

My wife freaked out the first time she drove my truck in cold weather. She just cranked it and didnt let the "wait to start" light go out. Thought she broke something when the lights were dimming in and out.

 

Yep, dimming is normal, sometimes I am hooked up to my trailer and they really dim!!!

 

Well said.

 

Some folks don't deserve diesels.

Just callin em as I see em.

 

Here's the sticky on it...
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=121337

MikeyB

 

One of the first signs of winter when someone asks why do my lights dim . You will not be the last guy to ask this year , the next guy that asks you can help calm his nerves . I remember way back when I purchased my brand new 91, panicking and wondering if I had just paid all that money for a pile of junk when the lights dimmed one cold morning . Back then there was no site like this one and no grid heater , just a fuel heater that had the same affect on our charging system . I called the dealer and he gave me the speech that he had given many times already that year . Welcome to the club it has many members .
l

 

I think people should required to take a test before they are allowed to own a diesel or at least made to read the owners manual

 

I can tell you that I had my truck last winter and I don't remember it happening but it's sure dimming this year. I guess I wouldn't pass the test and who reads paper anymore. Should I return my truck?

 

that's funny because you're about the 10th person i've heard of (including myself) that swears that this is the first year that the grid heater draw has been this pronounced. i've owned my '05 since new as well as several other ctd's and all have seen their share of winter and have never seen the draw like this before... absolutely no explanation???