Voltage reads 18 and kept climbing turned a corner it stalled. Drove. It to work came out. No power at all. Is it the alternator? Battery is 06/15.

Asked by Lauralie Dec 15, 2016 at 12:35 AM about the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 LT LB RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Is it the alternator. Or battery.  Or both

2 Answers

61,205

If it's overcharging then you alternator is bad. It has an internal regulator that keeps it at about 14v. 18 is way too much and hopefully no other damage was done. There is a good possibility, check all fuses. But you will need a new alternator

159,085

As Andrew says, 18 volts is way too much and the alternator is the likely suspect. If it has been doing this for some time I would also have the battery checked out. 18 volts going into a 12 volt battery will boil the electrolyte and ruin the battery.

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 71 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $4,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,280
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,290
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
338 Great Deals out of 15,288 listings starting at $1,712
Used GMC Sierra 1500
138 Great Deals out of 7,231 listings starting at $3,950
Used Dodge RAM 2500
22 listings starting at $9,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
60 Great Deals out of 1,065 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge Durango
40 Great Deals out of 2,254 listings starting at $5,500
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
107 Great Deals out of 3,230 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
22 Great Deals out of 922 listings starting at $11,900
Used Ford Mustang
61 Great Deals out of 1,274 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.