Getting this dreaded message but the truck seems to be running normally. I haven't had a chance to measure the battery yet. I'm planning to drop it off at a shop tonight for the charging system message but looking for suggestions before doing so (to rule out a bad alternator or battery; battery is 2yrs old).


I have strange things happening with the door switches (drivers side and right rear passenger side) as well where the interior lights aren't coming on when opened (with the interior light switch enabled). Thinking about replacing the 2 door switches but wasn't sure if it were linked to the charging message or not.


The message kicked on when I was 1 mile away from being home and it started with no hesitation this morning but still had the message displayed along with the battery symbol illuminated so I left it parked.


I saw some old threads referencing a "mega fuse"; would the truck still start and run with the fuse blown? or would it be until the battery was completely drained? Is this fuse a dealer item or can I get it at a local parts store?


Thanks in advance.....

 

Your Door Jamb Switches are bad. Has nothing to do with your charging issue. Measure the voltage across the battery to confirm the alternator voltage.

 

on first start mine goes to 15 volts for a few min, then about 14

 

I measured the battery with the truck off and measured 12.04v.....measured with it running and it dropped to 11.39v.....seems it may be the alternator.

 

yeah,but check wires going to it.


btw im from kittanning, yrs ago!

 

Do you have the OEM Battery Terminal Connectors? If you changed them, make sure they are clean and tight. What you describe is the classic symptom of a poor connection to the battery.

 

End up dropping it a at repair shop last night. They called this morning and said the alternator is bad. My HUM ODB reader also confirms alternator is bad and battery is good

 

If you don't mind, let us know what they charge you to replace it. That is a fun job... NOT.

 

@Doc...


They wanted to charge 650.00 plus tax (399.00 for an alternator and 250.00 labor). Said it is a 2 1/2hr job and that the AC compressor would need drained and removed so that they would have room to unbolt the alternator and pull it out through the drivers side wheel well. I went and bought an alternator brand new for 190.00 w/ 70.00 core return and his employee discount (my buddy works for a parts distributor) and took it to them and to also see for myself.


At first glance, it looks like if the radiator fan were removed and the bracket which holds the A/C line were removed, then It could be taken out from above but then the A/C line and fuse panel would be in the way; doesn't look like a fun job!


Either way, I'll end up pay for labor only since I supplied my own part and I get a free A/C charge!

 

there is a detailed thread here on how to do it from the top. still lots of work but no air messing. search n find. a great post the guy did.