Bad luck with my Ram

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 08:36 AM

The other day, I was driving the Ram to Goodwill and I was stranded. The truck would not start. What I had to do was tighten battery cable and it worked fine. Off I go, no problem until yestersday.

Yestersday, I made the mistake of leaving lights on for 3 hours on my truck. My neighbor warned me and I went right away to turn them off. Seems like damage was done. The truck would start, but not hold charge. Obviously, I'll need a new battery. What I would like to know is can a person ruin alternator by leaving light on truck??

Truck does run but won't run unless my foot is on gas. Would a poor battery force a person to have to keep foot on gas to hold battery charge??

**Jiro** · 01-09-2012, 08:42 AM

how would it ruin your alternator?

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

how would it ruin your alternator?

I hope it did not ruin the alternator, but I am not exactly a mechanic so I am asking here.

VacationGuy234 · 01-09-2012, 08:45 AM

A lose battery cable will cause a bad connection so the truck will not start, but will not drain a batter because no amperage is being used.

When you drain the battery by keeping your lights on you hare using up all the battery energy. The truck's alternator is supposed to charge the battery again, but this depends on how long you run the truck. If you only run it for five minutes, you still have drained battery. The amount of gas (engine power) you use does not change the time the battery takes to charge so giving more gas does not help.

It might be that neither the connection or the lights are the problem. Your alternator may be broken. You can't just check this will a meter because an alternator needs to be checked under load and you need a special tester for it.

I would take it to Sears or the dealer and have the alternator checked as well as the battery. They should do the check for free, but ask first.

If the truck is new the battery and alternator will be under warranty so don't buy a new alternator or battery if this is the case. Take it to the dealer if it is a new truck.

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VacationGuy234

A lose battery cable will cause a bad connection so the truck will not start, but will not drain a batter because no amperage is being used.

When you drain the battery by keeping your lights on you hare using up all the battery energy. The truck's alternator is supposed to charge the battery again, but this depends on how long you run the truck. If you only run it for five minutes, you still have drained battery. The amount of gas (engine power) you use does not change the time the battery takes to charge so giving more gas does not help.

It might be that neither the connection or the lights are the problem. Your alternator may be broken. You can't just check this will a meter because an alternator needs to be checked under load and you need a special tester for it.

I would take it to Sears or the dealer and have the alternator checked as well as the battery. They should do the check for free, but ask first.

If the truck is new the battery and alternator will be under warranty so don't buy a new alternator or battery if this is the case. Take it to the dealer if it is a new truck.

Thank you very much for your feedback. Truck is 1998.

What I would like to know is can an alternator be ruined in any circumstance by leaving lights on?

radioman · 01-09-2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Thank you very much for your feedback. Truck is 1998.

What I would like to know is can an alternator be ruined in any circumstance by leaving lights on?

in a simple one word.... NO.

You can ruin the BATTERY if you cannot keep battery topped off from alternator if the alternator is bad. Reason is the engine spark plugs draws alot power and if you are relying on battery to keep engine running, the plates in battery will warp from severe discharging and charging and eventually it will be a bad battery shorting out a cell or more.

Chances are you had a bad alternator and ruined the battery. You stated you had to step on gas more to keep it running as its trying to pull current through a bad battery but its not putting out the amps to charge battery AND run engine.

All the alternator does is put out a charge. Technically you should be able to disconnect the battery once its started and drive.

Did you try to put the battery on a charger all night ? is it a maintenance free battery? does it have caps to remove to check water level? If you connect a charger all night and check in morning, is the cells have bubbles rising to surface in all 6 cells? If maintenance free, is the eye green or dark after charging all night?

Chances are if your battery is NOT getting a charge from alternator, chances are its shot. The easiest way to tell is to remove the alternator from truck and take it to the autostore like autozone/advanced auto- etc and have them test it. They will do it for free.

I'd replace the alternator first if it tests bad from store. Try to start ( you may have to jump it the first time if battery is weak and you have no charger and run around town and back home and see if the battery will hold a charge, chances are the battery might still be ok- not good but ok enough. Be prepared to shell out the bucks for battery.

One more caution here--- I am not familar with YOUR ram but there are a few odd balls vehicles out there that has the voltage regulator NOT built in the alternator which makes it more expensive as some is built in car computer.

. Just a simple check in autostores while you are there with your old alternator to check it out will tell you the rest of the story.

troubleshooting your battery/alternator is not hard other then wiring, but your truck is not old enough to fall in that category.

VacationGuy234 · 01-09-2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Thank you very much for your feedback. Truck is 1998.

What I would like to know is can an alternator be ruined in any circumstance by leaving lights on?

No, but this does not mean the alternator is not bad, it must be checked.

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 09:35 AM

I did not charge it all night. I can try to charge it up for 10 to 15 minutes and see if it helps battery.

I don't think it is maintainence free battery.

**Beowulf** · 01-09-2012, 09:36 AM

Don't get a replacement alternator from a junk yard. Chances are they're no good and it's exasperating after hours and hours of effort.

Tousi · 01-09-2012, 10:36 AM

Beo, they make remanufactured alternators, don't they?

**sequoias** · 01-09-2012, 10:40 AM

Wirelessly posted (sent from a smartphone. )

Just go to auto parts store and they are willing to do a free test to see if the alternator is bad or not. They do a voltage test with a small device.

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 10:51 AM

Jump started truck for like 15, 20 minutes. Does run, but won't hold charge.

diehardbiker · 01-09-2012, 10:57 AM

No, you can't ruin alternator. Alternator works or not work, not in between. Alternator is very difficult to break. Simple as is. If your headlight dims when motor running. Sorry to break news, need new alternator. If headlight stay bright when running then it is battery issue.

Go to AutoZone and they will tell you if it is Alt or Battery.

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 12:05 PM

Battery tested good at Autozone. They doesn't seem to think it is alternator. If it was, the truck wouldn't start.

**Jiro** · 01-09-2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Battery tested good at Autozone. They doesn't seem to think it is alternator. If it was, the truck wouldn't start.

then everything's ok and there's nothing to worry about.

dereksbicycles · 01-09-2012, 01:14 PM

Tightened cables again. Not enough charge until I pressed on gas for a longer time. Now I can go anywhere. Looks like it was loose connection all along.

**Jiro** · 01-09-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Tightened cables again. Not enough charge until I pressed on gas for a longer time. Now I can go anywhere. Looks like it was loose connection all along.

make sure those cables (metal tips) are clean.

I had similar problem with my motorcycle so I cleaned the metal tips with WD-40 and sandpapered it. all perfect.

The Highlander · 01-09-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

The other day, I was driving the Ram to Goodwill and I was stranded. The truck would not start. What I had to do was tighten battery cable and it worked fine. Off I go, no problem until yestersday.

Yestersday, I made the mistake of leaving lights on for 3 hours on my truck. My neighbor warned me and I went right away to turn them off. Seems like damage was done. The truck would start, but not hold charge. Obviously, I'll need a new battery. What I would like to know is can a person ruin alternator by leaving light on truck??

Truck does run but won't run unless my foot is on gas. Would a poor battery force a person to have to keep foot on gas to hold battery charge??

Light on for 3 hours? Then your battery need recharger at slow mode for overnight.

Grummer · 01-09-2012, 01:31 PM

i repaired my own alternators for $6 instead of buying a brand new one for $1200 or a second hand one from the wreckers at $400.... yes folks SIX DOLLARS ...
AND i swapped it out by taking out radiators, belts drained ofc and installed back the alternators IN THE RAIN.......AND it started and was able to travel another 500Km back home....

The Highlander · 01-09-2012, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioman

in a simple one word.... NO.

You can ruin the BATTERY if you cannot keep battery topped off from alternator if the alternator is bad. Reason is the engine spark plugs draws alot power and if you are relying on battery to keep engine running, the plates in battery will warp from severe discharging and charging and eventually it will be a bad battery shorting out a cell or more.

Chances are you had a bad alternator and ruined the battery. You stated you had to step on gas more to keep it running as its trying to pull current through a bad battery but its not putting out the amps to charge battery AND run engine.

All the alternator does is put out a charge. Technically you should be able to disconnect the battery once its started and drive.

Did you try to put the battery on a charger all night ? is it a maintenance free battery? does it have caps to remove to check water level? If you connect a charger all night and check in morning, is the cells have bubbles rising to surface in all 6 cells? If maintenance free, is the eye green or dark after charging all night?

Chances are if your battery is NOT getting a charge from alternator, chances are its shot. The easiest way to tell is to remove the alternator from truck and take it to the autostore like autozone/advanced auto- etc and have them test it. They will do it for free.

I'd replace the alternator first if it tests bad from store. Try to start ( you may have to jump it the first time if battery is weak and you have no charger and run around town and back home and see if the battery will hold a charge, chances are the battery might still be ok- not good but ok enough. Be prepared to shell out the bucks for battery.

One more caution here--- I am not familar with YOUR ram but there are a few odd balls vehicles out there that has the voltage regulator NOT built in the alternator which makes it more expensive as some is built in car computer.

. Just a simple check in autostores while you are there with your old alternator to check it out will tell you the rest of the story.

troubleshooting your battery/alternator is not hard other then wiring, but your truck is not old enough to fall in that category.

I am agreed with you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

I did not charge it all night. I can try to charge it up for 10 to 15 minutes and see if it helps battery.

I don't think it is maintainence free battery.

10-15 minutes is not enough. Just do for overnight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoias

Wirelessly posted (sent from a smartphone. )

Just go to auto parts store and they are willing to do a free test to see if the alternator is bad or not. They do a voltage test with a small device.

It's call digital multimeter. It's great tool for everything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Tightened cables again. Not enough charge until I pressed on gas for a longer time. Now I can go anywhere. Looks like it was loose connection all along.

Do your battery terminals/posts have corrosion?

It's looks like that.

Then you need to clean with right tool as post terminal cleaner or wire brush

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...questid=390182
Use tool to clean

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=95997_0_0_
Then use spray to clean it out with shop towel.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=118314_0_0_
Then put it between post and terminal. It's help to avoid from the corrosion.

**Beowulf** · 01-09-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Beo, they make remanufactured alternators, don't they?

I have no idea. Does anyone here know?

**Phillips** · 01-09-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Beo, they make remanufactured alternators, don't they?

I dont think so because I don't see any problem alternators on my Dodge Ram

deafsmogtech · 01-10-2012, 12:21 AM

I like these posters.... sounds good... How old is battery? Recommend a new battery.
If the battery drains for long time, then the voltage will flat to about 1 voltage when cranking the engine, because the PCM (computer) need 9 voltage to keep KAM alive, dead battery will cause the driveability problem later or after new battery installed.

Check any ground connections such negative battery cable at the engine block and frame or body.. like what posters says...

How do you know the battery (alternator) won't hold charge?

I hope not to see the PCM (computer) problem what Radioman mentioned in post #6. Because the voltage regulator built-in a computer.... Have you see a red light in the dash like battery warning light on?

deafsmogtech · 01-10-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

how would it ruin your alternator?

Dead or undercharged battery can ruin the alternator. Battery must be full charged before install a new or reman alternator. Always...

dereksbicycles · 01-10-2012, 11:38 AM

Battery is good for 84 months. It's from Feb. 2006.

Not much corrosion. It did have some which I was able to clear with my key chain. If it had a lot more, I would obviously get a special tool to clear off the corrosion.

Battery would not hold charge until I cleared those corrosion and tightened cable after jump start.

Check engine light does not go on while driving. Went on when starting truck, but not any more now that I got connection cable issue fixed.

Evo Dragon · 01-10-2012, 11:39 AM

If your alternator is old. battery voltage might getting weak. It has been worn brushes parts. It need replace new brushes kit or buy a full alternator at auto shop.

deafsmogtech · 01-10-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Battery is good for 84 months. It's from Feb. 2006.

Not much corrosion. It did have some which I was able to clear with my key chain. If it had a lot more, I would obviously get a special tool to clear off the corrosion.

Battery would not hold charge until I cleared those corrosion and tightened cable after jump start.

Check engine light does not go on while driving. Went on when starting truck, but not any more now that I got connection cable issue fixed.

Replace battery.... Aging battery, I bet. Not faith in 84 months life, even won't start or slow cranking in cold morning or hot day. HTH.

The Highlander · 01-10-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksbicycles

Battery is good for 84 months. It's from Feb. 2006.

Not much corrosion. It did have some which I was able to clear with my key chain. If it had a lot more, I would obviously get a special tool to clear off the corrosion.

Battery would not hold charge until I cleared those corrosion and tightened cable after jump start.

Check engine light does not go on while driving. Went on when starting truck, but not any more now that I got connection cable issue fixed.

Seven years old!? Time to replace it. Mostly batteries good for around five years. My old Subaru's battery finally died after 8 years.

Evo Dragon · 01-10-2012, 05:20 PM

My Optima Red-Top battery died about 7 years. replace new one and too expensive battery.

diehardbiker · 01-10-2012, 05:28 PM

Yep, 2006 is way too old. Time to replace that battery. its 6 years old, not 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

Seven years old!? Time to replace it. Mostly batteries good for around five years. My old Subaru's battery finally died after 8 years.

01-09-2012, 08:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	Bad luck with my Ram The other day, I was driving the Ram to Goodwill and I was stranded. The truck would not start. What I had to do was tighten battery cable and it worked fine. Off I go, no problem until yestersday. Yestersday, I made the mistake of leaving lights on for 3 hours on my truck. My neighbor warned me and I went right away to turn them off. Seems like damage was done. The truck would start, but not hold charge. Obviously, I'll need a new battery. What I would like to know is can a person ruin alternator by leaving light on truck?? Truck does run but won't run unless my foot is on gas. Would a poor battery force a person to have to keep foot on gas to hold battery charge??

01-09-2012, 08:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jiro Aparecium Deletrius Legil Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Soprano State Posts: 60,540	how would it ruin your alternator? __________________ - Don't forget to buy Jiro's Special Edition Sunglasses for $19.95

01-09-2012, 08:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
VacationGuy234 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 2,800	A lose battery cable will cause a bad connection so the truck will not start, but will not drain a batter because no amperage is being used. When you drain the battery by keeping your lights on you hare using up all the battery energy. The truck's alternator is supposed to charge the battery again, but this depends on how long you run the truck. If you only run it for five minutes, you still have drained battery. The amount of gas (engine power) you use does not change the time the battery takes to charge so giving more gas does not help. It might be that neither the connection or the lights are the problem. Your alternator may be broken. You can't just check this will a meter because an alternator needs to be checked under load and you need a special tester for it. I would take it to Sears or the dealer and have the alternator checked as well as the battery. They should do the check for free, but ask first. If the truck is new the battery and alternator will be under warranty so don't buy a new alternator or battery if this is the case. Take it to the dealer if it is a new truck. __________________

01-09-2012, 09:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
Beowulf Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 10,515	Don't get a replacement alternator from a junk yard. Chances are they're no good and it's exasperating after hours and hours of effort. __________________ .

01-09-2012, 10:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
diehardbiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In back of Superduty Posts: 11,277	No, you can't ruin alternator. Alternator works or not work, not in between. Alternator is very difficult to break. Simple as is. If your headlight dims when motor running. Sorry to break news, need new alternator. If headlight stay bright when running then it is battery issue. Go to AutoZone and they will tell you if it is Alt or Battery. __________________ J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all" "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny." Thomas Jefferson (1778) Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.

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01-09-2012, 09:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	I did not charge it all night. I can try to charge it up for 10 to 15 minutes and see if it helps battery. I don't think it is maintainence free battery.

01-09-2012, 10:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 15,733	Beo, they make remanufactured alternators, don't they?

01-09-2012, 10:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
sequoias Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Iowa, the land of the cornfields and pigs Posts: 21,866	Wirelessly posted (sent from a smartphone. ) Just go to auto parts store and they are willing to do a free test to see if the alternator is bad or not. They do a voltage test with a small device.

01-09-2012, 10:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	Jump started truck for like 15, 20 minutes. Does run, but won't hold charge.

01-09-2012, 12:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	Battery tested good at Autozone. They doesn't seem to think it is alternator. If it was, the truck wouldn't start.

01-09-2012, 01:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	Tightened cables again. Not enough charge until I pressed on gas for a longer time. Now I can go anywhere. Looks like it was loose connection all along.

01-09-2012, 01:31 PM	#19 (permalink)
Grummer Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the Batcave Posts: 9,534	i repaired my own alternators for $6 instead of buying a brand new one for $1200 or a second hand one from the wreckers at $400.... yes folks SIX DOLLARS ... AND i swapped it out by taking out radiators, belts drained ofc and installed back the alternators IN THE RAIN.......AND it started and was able to travel another 500Km back home.... __________________ "Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them." Albert Einstein

01-10-2012, 12:21 AM	#23 (permalink)
deafsmogtech Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Surf City Posts: 1,592	I like these posters.... sounds good... How old is battery? Recommend a new battery. If the battery drains for long time, then the voltage will flat to about 1 voltage when cranking the engine, because the PCM (computer) need 9 voltage to keep KAM alive, dead battery will cause the driveability problem later or after new battery installed. Check any ground connections such negative battery cable at the engine block and frame or body.. like what posters says... How do you know the battery (alternator) won't hold charge? I hope not to see the PCM (computer) problem what Radioman mentioned in post #6. Because the voltage regulator built-in a computer.... Have you see a red light in the dash like battery warning light on?

01-10-2012, 11:38 AM	#25 (permalink)
dereksbicycles Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: 60202 Posts: 3,808	Battery is good for 84 months. It's from Feb. 2006. Not much corrosion. It did have some which I was able to clear with my key chain. If it had a lot more, I would obviously get a special tool to clear off the corrosion. Battery would not hold charge until I cleared those corrosion and tightened cable after jump start. Check engine light does not go on while driving. Went on when starting truck, but not any more now that I got connection cable issue fixed.

01-10-2012, 05:20 PM	#29 (permalink)
Evo Dragon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 1,471	My Optima Red-Top battery died about 7 years. replace new one and too expensive battery. __________________ http://www.alldeaf.com/creative-writ...animation.html

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