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Whats a good voltmeter to get?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Jul 3, 2020 #1
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    I need a good voltmeter. I don't think Ive ever had one before. Ill post the picture in the next post of issue that came up today. Trying to determine if its my alternator or batteries
     
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    #1
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  3. Jul 3, 2020 #2
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    DBEC8B6D-5A66-43FA-A6D8-397A33B9F49D.jpeg
    I didn’t get a picture of it but my battery voltage is low and the warning light on the amps was on. When I turn on headlights they are dimmer than usual so I know something is up.
     
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    #2
  4. Jul 3, 2020 #3
    uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I've had some really fancy ones in the past. But found the simplest ones were easiest to use.
    The old analog gauge ones don't need any batteries.
    Digital ones are easier to read.
    Pretty much any type will help with your current issue.
     
    uncleal13, Jul 3, 2020
    uncleal13, Jul 3, 2020
    #3
    tommymonza, God prefers Diesels, nikmirbre and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Jul 3, 2020 #4
    JDHIGGINS44

    JDHIGGINS44 Light Load Member

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    Your belt broke or more than likely your alternator has moved on to the after life.
     
    JDHIGGINS44, Jul 3, 2020
    JDHIGGINS44, Jul 3, 2020
    #4
    tommymonza, God prefers Diesels and nikmirbre Thank this.
  7. Jul 3, 2020 #5
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    High Point NC
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    Yeah I checked my belt and everything and no problem. So, Harbor Freight will be ok?
     
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    #5
  8. Jul 3, 2020 #6
    062

    062 Road Train Member

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    You don’t need a expensive one any of them will do for basic troubleshooting. Another good thing to have is a temp gun.
    If it’s a battery causing the voltage drop it will be hot.
     
    062, Jul 3, 2020
    062, Jul 3, 2020
    #6
    tommymonza, BoxCarKidd, God prefers Diesels and 1 other person Thank this.
  9. Jul 3, 2020 #7
    Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Yes it is.
     
    Snailexpress, Jul 3, 2020
    Snailexpress, Jul 3, 2020
    #7
    God prefers Diesels and nikmirbre Thank this.
  10. Jul 3, 2020 #8
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    Jul 27, 2011
    High Point NC
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    And where should that AMP read on the gauge? Because ever since I bought the truck its hovered around 0 but, my voltage on batteries was always around 14
     
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    #8
  11. Jul 3, 2020 #9
    nikmirbre

    nikmirbre Road Train Member

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    High Point NC
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    Ok I do have a temperature. Ill start truck and let it run about 10-15 minutes. And then shoot the batteries with temp gun. Is that a good way to test? Its sunny and hot here too...
     
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    nikmirbre, Jul 3, 2020
    #9
  12. Jul 3, 2020 #10
    062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Yes. It could also be swollen,I had one swell up and needed a pry bar to get it out.
    Have you smelled anything like rotten eggs/sulfur?
     
    062, Jul 3, 2020
    062, Jul 3, 2020
    #10
    God prefers Diesels and nikmirbre Thank this.
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