On my charge gauge the battery level is always low upon start-up and stays this way for 2-3 minutes. I stop driving the truck and restart again in 5-10 minutes and the level is low again. I replaced the alternator too. Starts easy. The green lights on the batteries are lit up but the passenger one is very dim. Any ideas from would be appreciated. Benhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif

That's normal- the voltage will look low untill the glow plugs are done cycling and the alternator has had a chance to start recharging the juice just used up. They all look that way.

2-3 minutes? have you ever actually timed it?

No but it seems like that might be a be long now that I think of it. If this is normal then I will just ignore it but if I need to replace battery or batteries then which ones would be a good choice living in Montana?


Ben http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Rock On.gif

If your worried about your batteries go have a load test done on them. Many shops will do that for free.

I think it is closer to one minute and only does it on mine first thing in the morning this time of year. Later! Frank

About 30-45 seconds here in the valley of the sun, AKA Phoenix, AZhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

30 to 45 here in Indiana in in summer, 1 minute or so in winter

You should always replace 2 batteries never just 1. If you replace just 1 battery the new batteries greater charge will always discharge into the older battery, unless you have installed diode protection in your truck to prevent the discharge taking place.


good luck

Replace the factory batteries before they leak IMHO, don't wait until they go dead. Red top Optimas can be had for about $100 a piece