99 RAM Eating Alternators

[jobartel]

The truck died while driving. Took the battery and alternator to be checked. Both were bad and both replaced. Drove the truck for a half hour and the battery went dead again. Any ideas why this is happening?

[dadof4s]

Originally Posted by jobartel

The truck died while driving. Took the battery and alternator to be checked. Both were bad and both replaced. Drove the truck for a half hour and the battery went dead again. Any ideas why this is happening?

Did you replace with a new or rebuilt alternator? You might have the new alterator checked, it is possible that once in a while, a bad alternator makes it through and is sold. You might also want to look at going to a heavy duty alt., one with more amp capability.

Have you added anything to the truck that would use more amps?

[jobartel]

It was replaced by a rebuilt one. We thought the same thing and the dealership said that many people had been getting bad ones as well. So, we took it back and replaced it. Again, it died after a short time. It seems its running only off the battery and once it goes, its done. We are taking this alternator back to have it checked and if its bad order another one. This time we will have them check the new one when it gets to the store.

Could this be the Powertrain Control Module? The voltage regulator is built in to it. Does the PCM provide/control electrical to the engine or does it come from the battery?

Thanks much for the reply!