Truck died on me!!!!

like on empty..and you do this a lot??

 

No, I let it run down a little before it hits the empty line but never empty.

 

No fuel related issue. even though, running you're vehicle out of fuel, is never a good thing haha

 

With the engine running, pop your hood, grab a voltmeter and check the + and - on the battery. Running it should be over 14 volts, this means your truck's alternator is providing power to charge the battery. If it is not, it is something to do with your charging system, most likely the alternator.

Also, check the battery again with the engine off. You want to put a load on the battery. Most shops will have a load tester that puts a load on the battery. You can do a quick test by turning the key on (keep the engine off) and turn on your headlights. If your battery dips down to under 10.5 volts it most likely needs to be replaced.

That is a start to you diagnosis, hopefully it points you to something obvious.

 

then check all electrical connections ..plugs..alt ..battery ..cap and rotor..even air intake check everything before you take it in and have them charge you up your butt for a simple thing

 

Ran to the store and got a volt meter. Ima go check it now.

 

Put a meter on the alternator and see if it's charging. If it's the alternator the battery should be dead, head lights working?

 

Yeah head lights are working.

 

Well, battery was pretty much dead. Put in a new one and everything works great. Went to the gas station and filled her up to. But I guess it can still be an alternator problem huh? Got to drive about 300 miles this morning. Should I chance it?

 

Exactly!

I just responded to your PM too. Do the "engine running test" so do you have over 14 volts?

If you do, have a beer because you fixed it. If you have 12.6 or lower, you are not done yet.

 

Good morning Chris!

Yes, 13.2 will still be a weak charging system but only battery voltage will mean a completely dead one. It could go either way...

He needs to report back with the engine off test voltage and the engine running voltage for us to give him a complete answer.

 

Report back, hopefully before your 300 mile drive. I will be unavailable for part of the morning and in the afternoon. Dogs are going to the groomers finally and I have to do some honey-do's.

Before you say just brush them yourself here is their pic:



I do and it is tiring! Plus they kinda stink, my big white dog chews on the wife's smaller dog like a chew toy.

Chris or I should be able to give you advice but we need to know what the voltages are. Hopefully one of us will be here when you do. Good luck!

 

Ok, with Chris gone, I will try to answer from my phone.

 

TW rocks, way to step up.

 

I love my iPhone!!!