What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Electrical Issues

JimmyJuneau

JimmyJuneau

1/2 ton status
Joined
Apr 11, 2001
Posts
811
Reaction score
0
Location
Juneau, Alaska
I picked up my truck today from the barge. The battery was dead. I jumped it. Drove a few miles turned it off while I got gas, and it was dead again.

Problesm I have seen so far.

Windshield wipers only hvae one speed (fast)
Heater only seems to work on high.
Front headlights seem dim. Not that bright.
The cd player turns on and off as I drive down the road.
So Im thiniking I have some electrical problems.

Any ideas on what to look at first?
 
Have you physically checked with a multimeter to know the alternator is working. Seems like 5 out of 10 times reman alts **** the bed in the first couple of days.
 
I haven't checked anything yet. I just got it tonight. It was dark. Ill look into it tomorrow. I just got off the phone with one of my friends. He is the one that dropped it off at the barge company for me. He said he noticed a fried wire as he called it. Maybe that is the problem.

Im still curious to know why the cd palyer and the heater and wipers are all going bonkers.
 
when your battery is running on less than 12 volts your 12 volt accessories will cut in and out, until theres not enough voltage for them.
 
fully charge it and load test it.
It you boost it and your volts go up to the 12-13 range and slowly come down till its dead the battery is most likely taking a charge.
Also check the condition of ALL your cables, look for corrosion, pinches, etc.
 
Any run-of-the-mill auto parts store will haveequipment to test both your alternator and battery. Most of them do it for free.
 
I've got to add that parts store testing of the batteries (even load testing) must not properly simulate the conditions the battery sees.

I had a battery that wouldn't crank the truck over more than 10 seconds on a full charge, and would die in about 2 weeks with no system drain on it. Made sure the alternator was working, inspected/cleaned the battery cables, checked for excessive draw with the truck off, everything ok there. Took it in, tested fine, no warranty replacement, store policy. (and with work, the testing was a two day process with the long charge cycle they try)

Took it back home, hooked a 194 bulb to both terminals, let it sit in my garage like that for 3 days, took it back, battery finally tested bad, which it was in the first place. Got my new battery, put it in the truck, haven't had a problem since.

For free store testing is something to try, but they must load test them weird to miss the battery problem I had. I don't trust that or the ignition module testing they do, unless it just confirms the piece is dead. :)
 
My money is on the fried wire. Fix that b4 doing anything and see where your at. Seems simple enuff to me. ;)
 
I took off the burnt /crispy wire. And replaced it with a new one. The battery is charging right now. Hopefully this is all it needs right now. I know that there will be more work and questions to follow.
 
I was able to get thetruck running. I drove it around for awhile. I parked it, now I cant get it started again.

I tried to jump it but it wont start. Ijust get the ckicking noise.
 
What was the fired wire?

A few things to check:

1. Check to see that the positive wire that goes to the starter doesn't have any burning through of the insulation.

2. Check the wire coming off the alternator. (burned or corroded terminals)

3. Check the wires running to the starter for any indications of shorting.

Your wiper probably is another unrelated problem.

How bad is the wiring? Has it been hacked?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom