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JKnolla
Dodge Dakota
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3/10/2007
22:45:17

Subject: Major Electrical Issues
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'99 Extended Cab SLT, 4x4 5.2 Auto

Couple months ago truck killed its' 4th 1000 CCA battery. Jumped it, then replaced battery.

Recently had all lights (internal\external) start to flicker wildly at night. Couple days ago, the speedometer freaks out while going 40 mph, then engine quits and will not restart although plenty of juice to turn it over. After 30-40 minutes, it fires up and runs fine. Couple times the Check Engine light comes on but then goes out.

Go to Autozone, no codes pulled.

I figgered voltage regulator was most likely culprit, pulled the alternator - tested OK but the issue has been intermittent so I replaced the alternator - 90 Amp Autozone replacement.

Ran fine for a day, then same light flickering. Voltmeter now regularly shows a discharge (needle-width to 1/4" off the centerline) when RPM below 1200 and ANY lights on.

Today, speedometer freaks out again (wild swings 30mph - 70mph while cruising steady-state at 60). While driving, it shows needle-width to 1/4" to the charge side when RPM above 1200, neutral or slight discharge when below. ABS, Brake and Check Engine lights come on.

Pretty F'ing wierd and well beyond my pay grade - curious if there are any ideas out there what might be the possible issues.

Thanks in advance.



my 2 cents
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2007
00:56:22

RE: Major Electrical Issues
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had similar problem with my 00.battery dead,jumped it ,ran fine,charged good,voltage good,shut it off and nothing. on my way to get new bat the speedo pegged,idiot lights came on ,voltage gauge pegged and the radio was getting brighter and brighter. battery was tested and showed that it had a bad cell. new battery and no problems since. being that it is your 4th one, bad luck maybe,dunno,but i would have it checked 1st.



Kowalski
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3/11/2007
07:23:55

RE: Major Electrical Issues
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Isn't the voltage regulator in your PCM ? Might be bad if everything else checks out ok.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

JKnolla
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2007
10:20:11

RE: Major Electrical Issues
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2 cents - it has blown a strap in the battery twice, bad cell once, age once. Easy enough to pull the batt and have it tested.

Kowalski - I thought the voltage regulator was internal to alternator, will check the Haynes book and see what I can find - thanks for the heads up.

Any other idears?



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2007
19:18:12

RE: Major Electrical Issues
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Before jumping in deep again. check a couple of things. Did you clean the inside of the cables that slip onto the battery posts? If not do it. Also take both cables off at the other end and clean all contacts good. Pay close attention to the ground side. It's the one most vulnerable to rust.
I think your buying 1000 amp batteries cause you think they start your truck better. The higher the rating the THINNER the plates and the easier they break,separate or short out. Buy the BIGGEST battery that fits and is rated the same as original. This will be the strongest most reliable battery you can buy and cost less.



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