Detroit 60series voltage drops

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Kernol1996, Nov 17, 2020.

  1. Kernol1996

    Kernol1996 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2018
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    I have a 2006 Freightliner with a 60series and I’ve been having voltage problems where at normal idle 13.6-14.0 volts at high idle 13.3-13.5 and driving down the road 12.7-13.3 every so often when I’ve got the cruise set and go down a slight decline the voltage will go up to like 13.5 and when the truck needs power going up a rise in the road the voltage will drop to 12.5 or Lower and the battery light will come on, I’ve put new alternator, batteries, starter, ground cables, ecm, and v pod on and no one can tell me what’s wrong, the company shop tells me that they have drove it and nothing was wrong (they think a frat drive is around the yard at a max of 5-10mph and it was in my head I’ve tried to check small things like fuses and making sure the battery cables are tight and clean and nothing stupid and obvious
     
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  3. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Where are you getting the voltage reading?
    Try a volt meter in the lighter plug.
     
  4. olddog_newtricks

    olddog_newtricks Medium Load Member

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    My old shaker had a similar problem . My voltage went from 14.1 down to 12 - 13 volts. It turned out to be a loose ground cable at the starter.
     
    ibcalm19 Thanks this.
  5. ibcalm19

    ibcalm19 Road Train Member

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    I would clean the ground wires on the block and frame to see if that helps
     
  6. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    The voltage numbers you give say its charging just fine. A fully charged battery will sit at 12.4 volts. You don’t want under 12 or above 14.5. The 13.5v range is good. Most plug in remote shop battery chargers work in that range. Battery/charge lights normally only come on when it senses a no charge or discharge condition. But still your posted numbers show otherwise.
     
  7. Kernol1996

    Kernol1996 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2018
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    Getting it off the dash
     
  8. Kernol1996

    Kernol1996 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2018
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    I had the company shop check and the grounds at the starter, from the starter to the frame and the ground from the batter box to the frame and they said it was all good
     
  9. Kernol1996

    Kernol1996 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2018
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    I also forgot to mention that after sitting a few days the fuel drains back so it’s hard starting but when I do go to start and it cranks for a few seconds and I stop something smells like hot metal or electrical, when I get back from this trip I might replace the cables from the alternator to the starter and to the batteries. I bought a par of jumper cables in case the truck won’t start I can jump off the reefer
     
  10. GreenTop60

    GreenTop60 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 30, 2022
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    Did you ever get your answer? I’ve been having the same issue.
     
  11. GreenTop60

    GreenTop60 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 30, 2022
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    Did you ever find the problem? This is exactly what I’m dealing with.
     
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