I had an interesting day today. Started off with a 30 mile drive, mostly freeway, out to go on a hike with the family. After a hour and a half hike, jumped back in the truck, drove a short distance (100 yards), turned the truck off, got the kids situated, started up and drove off. We decided to check out where a road went and traveled another 5 miles or so on a windy back road.
All of a sudden my aftermarket radio started acting like i had poor reception which was strange because my phone was plugged directly into it playing music. I pulled off to the side of the road and the radio died. When trying to figure out what was going on there the engine died. I immediately assumed alternator as I have heard this is a typical symptom. I went ahead and tried to start the truck and got nothing. Turned the key off then back on and I got a warning buzzer, the battery light, ABS light, traction light, etc. but no clicking like the starter was trying to catch. I went into the back and got my jumper battery and a cheap multi-meter i keep in the trunk and tried to figure out what was happening. I measured the voltage before I started it and i seem to recall it was in the 6v range. I jump started the car with the jump pack (btw, just got the antigravity battery jumper and it worked great) and the engine fired right up. I went back and checked the voltage and it was showing something like 8v. The truck ran for maybe 30 seconds, started to hiccup and then died (no buzzer or other lights were noticed but I didnt stick around in the cab very long). I then had the truck towed home. Note- i didnt notice anything weird other than the radio acting up immediately before the truck died. I also didnt hear any grinding noise (bearing noise) when it was running.
This evening (7 hours later), i went back out to the truck and pulled the battery to charge it up so I can drive it into my driveway when I'm ready. I decided to use my nicer voltage meter to see where the battery was sitting and it registered just under 12v (something like 11.8v). I attempted to start the truck and this time it clicked like the starter solenoid was trying but no go. Dash lights seem normal (no buzzer). Interior lights were replaced with LEDs and those seem to work fine, also the electronic door locks are also working fine. I verified the voltage with my cheap meter and it matches my nice meter so I have no reason to suspect the earlier very low voltage readings. Battery is currently on a charger (btw its an interstate lead acid 'normal' battery).
I dont know why the battery would have rebounded like that, perhaps someone on here would know? I would like to fix it myself as we are (trying) to avoid any contact with other people due to covid.
In summary:
Truck drove 35 miles on the highway with multiple starts along the way - no issues.
Truck radio died, then the engine died. Jumping the truck worked but then died ~30sec later.
Prior to jumping battery showed 6v, while running after jump battery showed 8v.
After a tow home and it sitting for 7 hours, battery shows 11.8v (still doesnt start, didnt try jumping it).
I should mention it was rather hot today, 95-100F where we were at. Right now temp is ~80F.
Thanks!
All of a sudden my aftermarket radio started acting like i had poor reception which was strange because my phone was plugged directly into it playing music. I pulled off to the side of the road and the radio died. When trying to figure out what was going on there the engine died. I immediately assumed alternator as I have heard this is a typical symptom. I went ahead and tried to start the truck and got nothing. Turned the key off then back on and I got a warning buzzer, the battery light, ABS light, traction light, etc. but no clicking like the starter was trying to catch. I went into the back and got my jumper battery and a cheap multi-meter i keep in the trunk and tried to figure out what was happening. I measured the voltage before I started it and i seem to recall it was in the 6v range. I jump started the car with the jump pack (btw, just got the antigravity battery jumper and it worked great) and the engine fired right up. I went back and checked the voltage and it was showing something like 8v. The truck ran for maybe 30 seconds, started to hiccup and then died (no buzzer or other lights were noticed but I didnt stick around in the cab very long). I then had the truck towed home. Note- i didnt notice anything weird other than the radio acting up immediately before the truck died. I also didnt hear any grinding noise (bearing noise) when it was running.
This evening (7 hours later), i went back out to the truck and pulled the battery to charge it up so I can drive it into my driveway when I'm ready. I decided to use my nicer voltage meter to see where the battery was sitting and it registered just under 12v (something like 11.8v). I attempted to start the truck and this time it clicked like the starter solenoid was trying but no go. Dash lights seem normal (no buzzer). Interior lights were replaced with LEDs and those seem to work fine, also the electronic door locks are also working fine. I verified the voltage with my cheap meter and it matches my nice meter so I have no reason to suspect the earlier very low voltage readings. Battery is currently on a charger (btw its an interstate lead acid 'normal' battery).
I dont know why the battery would have rebounded like that, perhaps someone on here would know? I would like to fix it myself as we are (trying) to avoid any contact with other people due to covid.
In summary:
Truck drove 35 miles on the highway with multiple starts along the way - no issues.
Truck radio died, then the engine died. Jumping the truck worked but then died ~30sec later.
Prior to jumping battery showed 6v, while running after jump battery showed 8v.
After a tow home and it sitting for 7 hours, battery shows 11.8v (still doesnt start, didnt try jumping it).
I should mention it was rather hot today, 95-100F where we were at. Right now temp is ~80F.
Thanks!