Voltage issue

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by CJ252, Apr 11, 2022.

  1. CJ252

    CJ252 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 15, 2021
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    My voltmeter has been steadily dropping all day. It’s now reading 12.4V. I’m waiting for the shop to open for them to see if they can find the problem. I’ve been here since last night they say they have one other truck in front of me then they will get to mines. Should I shut my truck off or keep it running?
     
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  3. Spyro2112

    Spyro2112 Medium Load Member

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    Alternator
     
    Magoo1968 and seagreg Thank this.
  4. kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    Either something electrical is failing and has an inordinately high draw, or the alternator is tired. Check your fuses and breakers. A hot one would point to a problem somewhere in the system that might explain the voltage drop, or it’s time for an alternator.
     
  5. CJ252

    CJ252 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 15, 2021
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    They’ve checked alternator and batteries and they both read fine. Even hooked up the computer to my truck and nothing read low voltage. They told me to drive it down the road if it gets bad then maybe a code will pop up. So I did that and the truck started driving rough and when I stopped at the light to turn around it was idling bad
     
  6. kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    The high draw may be the ecm. Should know pretty soon if it fries the fuse and quits altogether. Have them plug into it and take them for a rip, if the ecm is on the way out they should see it in the real-time data on the road.
     
  7. CJ252

    CJ252 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 15, 2021
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    They checked the ecm as well and it was fine
     
  8. kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    If they didn’t check it on the road with the engine running under load, they didn’t check it. It may be ok key on not running or at idle, but go all to #### when the function load drives the draw up.
     
    Magoo1968 Thanks this.
  9. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    Have them test the alternator itself. Make sure it's putting out the volts and do a amperage draw.

    Have them test the volts at the batteries with EVERYTHING on.

    I don't think shops do those tests anymore.
     
    Magoo1968 Thanks this.
  10. CJ252

    CJ252 Bobtail Member

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    Nov 15, 2021
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    Alright I will. They sent me on my way act like they couldn’t find anything. I got down the road and my truck started riding rough at about 40mph so I came back.
     
  11. kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    Computer says there’s nothing wrong when something obviously is. Just can’t wait for them to get those computer driven trucks going. Must be a population control program or they’d never consider such foolishness.
     
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