Heavy electrical draw

[atvpilot]

I noticed last night that when I statred my truck the charging guage went all the way to the left and then once the truck ran for a minute or so the guage climbed back to just the right of the center of the guage. Is this normal? My truck is an 02 2500HD D/A. :confused:

[K1XV]

I think it is normal. Mine does it too for a few seconds. I also have an old Mercedes diesel sedan, and am used to a "recovery" period on the voltage after a engine start. What I think it is that the glow plugs remain for a while on even after the engine has started, and they draw quite a few amps. When the relay clicks them off, the voltage recovers.

Anybody know for sure?

[pinehill]

K1XV is correct. There is also an intake air heater which draws heavy current and operates only when ambient air temperature is low upon startup.

[atvpilot]

Thanks guys, Just a typical first time diesel owner inquiring. :D

[oyazi]

I didn't bother to notice it until I added an alternator and fired it up. Scared me ~ what have I done? :eek: Calmed down and eventually realized it was normal. redface.gif