Q: Why won't my truck charge the battery?

asked by on November 04, 2016

I have replaced the alternator, voltage regulator and battery and my truck still will not charge

My car has 10100 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Battery is dead Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Several situations could prevent adequate charging from an otherwise healthy electrical system. These include poor connections at the batter posts, power cables at the alternator, ineffective grounding between the battery, chassis, and engine (good connections and large enough cables to carry heavy current), or possibly a bad voltage regulator. A loose accessory belt will also prevent the alternator from properly charging. System voltage with the engine at a fast idle should be at least 13 volts.

I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the battery is not charging and suggest the necessary repairs to get your truck back in full working order.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Rear end clunking when braking in 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
If you hear a clunking noise coming from the back when you hit the brakes, the first thing you want to check is the wheels and brakes. You want to see if the brake pads are worn, if they are...
Overheating - 1996 Saturn
Hey there. You will need to not drive the vehicle if it is overheating since you may do engine damage if you overheated it. Have the system pressure tested and leak detected to see if the water pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/water-pump-replacement) is...
car not sounding and running properly
Most likely the loss of power after your oil change is just a coincidence. It is possible they checked your air filter and disconnected a sensor on accident. If this is the case, there should be a Check Engine Light...
Hard clunk noise shifting/downshifting in 2nd & 3rd
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 2006 GMC Sierra 1500HD. Since you say it only happens when shifting between 2nd and 3rd, my guess is that the noise is internal to the transmission. A faulty shift solenoid could...
In mornings before work (cold usually), my car acts like it wants to stall in idle/park. Give it gas 1-2 minutes. No more issues
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. What seems to be happening is the EGR valve is sticking open and when it gets hot, the valve shuts. This will cause an engine to stumble when first turned on. Anther thing...
Brand new battery but my car won't start.
Hello - there are several problems that could cause a sudden failure such as this: a failed fuel pump or fuel pump fuse/relay, a failed crankshaft position sensor, or failed ignition switch or module. Check for problem codes that might...
I just had my tires changed and now my abs light is on
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels which monitor wheel speed while relaying this information constantly to the ABS and traction control system which are controlled by the car's ECU. When the ECU...
ran out of gas on a 2015 dodge ram. won't start. lights are on. but won't turn over. did i burn out my fuel pump?
If the engine is cranking but will not start, it is entirely possible the fuel pump has gone bad. Gasoline actually acts to cool and lubricate the fuel pump and it is pumping the fuel. Run it dry and it...
2007 RR Supercharged. The check engine light came on. Code p0171 and p0173. Oxygen sensor bank 1 and 2. Checked the battery.
Hi there. The check engine light codes are for the engine running lean on bank one and bank two. Check the fuel injectors to see which injectors are not working. A lean condition is when the fuel injector(s) are not...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Vet
The The best car for a vet to own largely depends on the type of practice he or she has. Large animal vets are probably going to want something that delivers a fair bit of power, and possibly even towing...
How to Clean Battery Connections
Cleaning your battery connections, especially if the terminals are corroded, will help ensure the battery lasts longer and performs well.
How to Replace a Car Battery Temperature Sensor
The battery has a battery temperature sensor that can fail if the Check Engine Light comes on, the battery voltage is low, or the RPM curve surges.