| From | Message |
down and out
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/28/2007
19:42:13
|
 Subject: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
I have replaced my battery and my starter with new ones and now when I go to start my truck it still clicks as if my battery is low. Its a 318 auto and I'm stumped - HELP!!!
|
little jer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/28/2007
22:17:30
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
A common problem after a new battery and starter is that the battery cables are just corroded and need the terminals cleaned good to renew a good electical contact. Not only the posts but also the inside of the battery clamp that goes on the post. Sometimes you may also just need new cables if they are old. The battery terminals may not look corroded, but sometimes a thin layer can build up preventing good contact. Clean them good and see if it helps.
|
PETE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/28/2007
23:04:49
|  RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
If your cables older than 8-10 yrs. better to change them out to save the life of your new battery.Also make sure you got a good starter from a good repuatble autoparts not these chain autoparts stores I would reccomend a good place thats specializes in rebuilding starters, altenators,etc.. and make sure you get that battery tested to be sure you didn't get a bum battery it happens or if you been putting to much strain on the new one might of got it hot and overheated one of the battery plates inside the battery which then the battery is junk.Lil jer is right make sure you got good clean and tight connections to starter and battery then still have issues then proceed with cable replacement if you wish but I would make sure you don't have a bad bum starter or a battery first.Good Luck...
|
PETE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/28/2007
23:18:10
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
Also cables can short out if you overload them trying to crank the engine or if you have in the START position to long trying to get the engine to turn over Good Luck.....
|
Kowalski
GenIII
5/29/2007
07:53:48
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
Did you bother to check if the charging system was working before you started replacing parts ?
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
|
down and out
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/29/2007
13:32:07
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
My charging system seems ok because I can put a battery charger on for a few minutes to get the truck started and when started the meter in the truck reads good and truck will drive (I drove it for 20 minutes). However when you shut the truck off and try to start it just clicks. The meter in the truck will only read 9 volts or so as if the battery is bad. I can take this same battery and it will start another truck just fine - battery is good and reads 12.75 volts on a hand held meter. I have also cleaned the battery posts and terminals and the lugs at the starter. Maybe my terminals where the cable attaches is corroded or the cables themselves are corroded? Could the relay be wearing out?
|
Kowalski
GenIII
5/29/2007
14:24:42
|  RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
What does it read when you put the handheld meter on the battery when the truck is running ?
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
|
OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/29/2007
19:41:36
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
If you allow your cables to become corroded and leave them that way for extended periods, The cables may be corroded up inside the cable housing causing poor current flow. This will act the same as a dead battery.
|
PETE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/30/2007
09:45:08
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
Kowalski your right should test the output of the charging . You Can have all these bench tested at a good shop that specializes in the field these daisy chain autoparts can sometimes steer you into being a parts replacing junkie LOL... Look up in your telephone book or online for Automotive electrical services or your dealer if you have fat wallet LOL... I wouldn't rely on the gauges in your truck #'s on dash not exact for what your troubleshooting for use that tester to your advantage Good Luck...
|
down and out
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/31/2007
14:55:18
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
thx all -
I figured it out - I did the alt test and it checked out good - then I did a load test on the battery. I turned on the low beam lights and used a volt meter to test each cell of the battery and wouldnt you know it had a bad cell. 2 bad batteries, what are the odds of that. I also did a test where I took a test light between the negative terinal to the neg post to see if I had a short. no short and so far all is well.
|
Massey
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/01/2007
18:11:01
| RE: starting probs
IP: Logged
Message:
When it comes to alternators you can read the normal 14-15 volts at the battery but the alternator can still be bad. 2 things could make it bad. the first is the diodes if they are bad you will be sending a charge then a discharge (AC current) pulse keeping the battery from gaining any real charge. Since the car is always running off the battery the car will be getting DC current even tho the battery is getting AC current. The second problem could be a weak field. This can still generate 14V but when it is put under a load you can no longer maintain 14V (or the amps needed) and that makes the battery take the load without getting a charge in return.
Autopart stores will usually test your alternator for free. This is fine if the associate knows what to do. If they take a small hand held tester out to test your car you will get a test of the Voltage, Doide pattern and a very light load test (usually having you turn on wipers and lights to test load). The test you really want to have happen is the ARBS test (Alternator Regulator Battery Starter) This machine will first test your battery with a large resistor and monitoring how the battery handles the load and recovers from it. The next step will test the starting system as you start the engine. It will monitor the amperage that is needed to crank the engine if it is too high it will flag that. Next is the alternator and Regulator test which uses the resistor again to load the battery and monitor how the alternator reacts to that. If everything is good the alternator should keep around 14V and increase the amperage going into the battery to keep up the battery's charge. This will also test the diode pattern to make sure that your diodes are good.
I hope this helps any of you out there that needs to have this stuff done to your cars or truck.
Massey
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
