Westernstar 4900 voltage dropping.

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Perchie15, Jul 27, 2025.

  1. Perchie15

    Perchie15 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2021
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    Has a dd15 engine in it I’ve checked the alternator it has 14.2 volts coming out replaced the batteries last month thinking they were the issue cuz one was bad! But we have this truck and it’s still going dead after a few days even with the battery disconnect off! I found few melted fuses so thought that may fixed it but still same thing. And cleaned up some battery connections, And when truck is running dash shows 13.8. I flip in all the lights/work lights voltage drops to 13.4 - 13.5! I shut it off it’ll go down to 12.3 then slowly go to 11.9
     
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  3. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    Alternators also have an amperage rating. The diodes convert ac current to dc current which is what the system and batteries use. Alternators get weak because one or more diodes in the alternator go bad so not all of the current is converted. Either buy a tester or have the alternator tested. Preferably one of the newer type conductance testers. Remove and clean all your grounds and coat with silicone dielectric grease.
     
    Trucker61016 Thanks this.
  4. Perchie15

    Perchie15 Light Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2021
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    Well I use my multi meter and that’s what it did say was 14.2 I’ll do it again that was on DC also. Or is their a specific tester to use on the alternator?
     
  5. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    You were checking DC volts, the 14.2 is volts. Amps need to be checked. A multimeter won't go anywhere near the amperage that an alternator puts out. Need a special tester or have a shop test it for you. Bad diodes can also cause a drain when the vehicle is off. There should be a tag on the alternator that tells the output, somewhere between 160 and 320 amps.
    My bet is that the alternator amperage output is weak and not fully charging the batteries when the truck is running. First step is to test the alternator.
     
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