I went to start my truck this morning and the voltage had a problem coming up. Had my fiancee jump it with her Jeep and the voltage went up to 13-14 right away, but the truck would crank slowly 2 or 3 times and the voltage would go right back down below 8. Wouldn't do anything else after that. I need to get back up to Fort Collins ASAP, what else can I do??


thanks,
Evan

 

test the battery, if it tests good then change the starter

 

Check all your cables too, not just the connections, but back from the connector to see if it is rotting inside.

 

i just did that today, this advice is right on.

 

Worst case... in a hurry... 2 bad batteries??? Both about 8 volts??? Take the Positive off on one and the Negative off the other... then connect those Positive and negative cables together with a pair of jumper cables...

That will put your 2 batteries in Series and increase the voltage to ~16 volts... and your amperage will stay constant... That will at least get you started... once running, put everything back!!!

Now... this is only a quick start in an emergency!!! And be carefull your system can handle about 16volts... but if your batteries are fine and you do this 24volts can screw up alot of stuff!!!

 

Sounds like batteries... just went through this Monday!

 

Bad batteries and cool weather can kick the grid heaters on making things even worse, but I just had to change my starter recently - cranking too slow to start with good batteries, and changed the batteries last year also.

 

When the batteries die...

out trucks take enough current to start that jumpstarting is a bit more of a delicate procedure than with other vehicles.

Connect the jeep, high idle it, and let the truck batteries absorb a charge for a while (5 minutes min, 10 should do).

If you do this, then the truck batteries can provide a bit (not a whole lot, though) of juice when you're cranking. If you don't do this, the truck batteries may actually be taking away power while you are cranking! Also, cycle the grid heaters a couple times before starting (if it is cold). Even if it is hot, leave the ignition in "run" for a minute, so the grid heaters turn off (they run regardless of temp, just run for longer when it is colder). They must have turned off to get the most effective jump. - If it is cold, cycling them a coupel times helps warm the intake up more, helping you start it.

Carry 4 ga. jumper cables in your truck. Somehow trying to help you with 10 or 12 ga jumper cables isn't going to have much fun. I found some 16' 4 ga cables at Costco a couple years back for $20 for the set.

Of course, if your batteries died, check your alternator.