The "Ghost" in the Machine struck again! (last time was edge and fuel guage).

This morning about 20 miles into the commute (55 mile total), the truck starts sputtering and shuts down. As I pull over I notice that the DIC is flashing "batteries not charging" but the volt guage is reading over 14v (while truck is still sputtering, then drops to 9v after engine shuts off). Wtf? Anyway, I pull over, turn the switch off, and wait for a couple of minutes. I turn the key back on, volt guage reads normal, then I start the truck. Aside from a weak start (been doing this for a week), the truck starts and runs fine the rest of the way to work.

The batteries do have the grey residue on the tops and sides typical for older batteries (these are 2.5 years old).

Any suggestions? I will go at lunch and warranty out the batteries for new ones. Maybe this will keep the Ghost away?:eek:

I'll bet one of your batteries crapped out, mine did this exact thing. Disconnect each battery and load test each one, are they stock delcos? cause they are junk

I'll bet one of your batteries crapped out, are they stock delcos? cause they are junk

The OEM's crapped out at 6 months. These are the yellow ones from Walmart. Only reason I bought them there is because most of my chevy's are nortorious for eating batteries every 2 years. Usually I can get the free replacement or a good amount off on the pro-rating.;)

I agree with the eating batteries. My 93 was like clock work every summer it would loose a battery. Between Texas heat and heavy city driving they just never seemed to last. I ended up buying the oem batterys because they had the longest warranty( not prorated) it was like 5 years maybe 6.

The OEM's crapped out at 6 months. These are the yellow ones from Walmart. Only reason I bought them there is because most of my chevy's are nortorious for eating batteries every 2 years. Usually I can get the free replacement or a good amount off on the pro-rating.;)

i tried the yellow ones from walmart in my truck. ended up taking them back cuz they kept leaking acid. put optima red tops in and knock on wood no problems since...

and as far as what happened, id say you need new batteries

Yep sounds like battery time.

New batteries in! So far, so good!

Just FYI, weak/discharging batteries can take out alternators also, so don't be surprised if you have an issue down the road. The alternator just works too hard to keep up some times...

Good point Kennedy.

I have had the same batteries now for 2.5 years with no problems, now that I have said this I am off to the battery shop.

New batteries in! So far, so good!


which ones did you go with? i went with the red tops cuz they were the only sealed ones i could find...my wally world batteries were leaking out of the caps

which ones did you go with? i went with the red tops cuz they were the only sealed ones i could find...my wally world batteries were leaking out of the caps

Free replacement, no $$$. The yellow Maxx 1s. Auto manager said they were the only ones big enough for a diesel.

Just wondering, were both batteries bad or just one? If it was just one, did they replace both or did you have to pay for the other one? I know it is recommended to replace both at the same time.

Just wondering, were both batteries bad or just one? If it was just one, did they replace both or did you have to pay for the other one? I know it is recommended to replace both at the same time.

Funny thing is that they don't actually check the batteries.:eek: At least not when you pull them out of the truck yourself.

I just walked in and said they were dead. The manager asked how did I know. I said because the "computer" told me they were not charging and the truck shut off then had a weak start. Then the manager said to pick up two new batteries and hand him the receipt. Both batteries were replaced under the free replacement with no hassles.:ro)