electrical issues

I've read through a lot of the battery light issue posts and am confused more than ever now. About three months ago the indicator light would come on for a few seconds a few times a week. Lights would dim and the blower would slow. Battery light would go off and everything was back to normal. Started happening more frequently and for longer. Changed the alternator and neg clamp on Oct 27th and everything was fine. The clamp was still working, just worn down from cleaning. Went to get groceries tonight and started it to warm it up, it's cold here right now. Daytime lights and dash lights came on as usual. Went to leave 10 min later and it was still running but all lights were off. Same problem. Battery light was on again. Shut the truck off and tried it four more times and it came on each time it started. Would the cables between the battery and alternator be bad? I'm the farthest thing from an electrician so any suggestions are welcomed....

It will die if left running.

 

Did you purchase it with an aftermarket alternator? If so it's more than likely failing. You need to get either a used or new oem. Do you have a multimeter? If not get one and I'll walk you through testing your alt and battery.

 

It was a rebuilt one from Partsource. The one replaced was original, bought the truck new.

 

hope this helps.

 

I've had no issue with aftermarket alternators. Are you sure your ground Wires Are ok? There are several.

Start simple and check all the ones you can find.

 

I'll try and borrow a multimeter tomorrow. As for the ground wires, what might cause one to sporadically fail then be fine from the time the alt was changed until tonight?

Ive tried it 4 more times tonight for a total of 9 starts. Came on every time. Have a charger on it now, start number 9 was weak.

 

Harbor Freight has multimeters for about $5.

 

Sounds like a loose connection

May very well be heat related

Starting a vehicle 9 times will have a negative on the battery

Rebuilt alternators can be hit or miss some people have Good Luck

 

well.....the battery didn't charge last night.

 

Why not?