[dnd1450]

I have a '96 2500 turbo diesel 4x4 that we just purchased last fall. Since purchase no problems until this last couple of weeks when the truck, after sitting for a couple of days, the batteries go dead. I still have full "sound" and lights but the battery gage reads "8". We have jumped the batteries, bringing the meter back up to "14" but within a couple of hours it loses halve it's charge just sitting there. We're thinking that perhaps it's as easy as needed new batteries, and if so, how do we change out the duel batteries, and could it possibly be something else that we not familar with, it being diesel and all? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bogie]

If your batteries are both connected togther all the time they may be drawing from each other if you replace them you need to get the samt tyoe for both batts

 

[TaZMaNiaK]

I would put in an isolator and solenoid to keep them electrically separated. That way you will have one battery that will be your primary, and the other will will be held in reserve until you need it. You can also set it up to automatically use both batteries only when starting for twice the cranking juice.

Matt {peace}

 

[Dork]

not sure if deisels work cooperatively with an isolator between the batteries, don't they need the juice from both? for starting mabey, could switch to both if needed for starting with a switched isolator. I'm don't know deisel electrics, but it may be worth studying more because I do think they work differently than gassers.

I'd guess a bad battery though. If they got much age on them it wouldn't hurt to replace both anyways.

And welcome to the site dnd1450

 

[Johno]

welcome dnd.
check your battery connections 1st!!! a loose terminal connection can draw juice and kill the bat. the next time you have the truck running take it to a parts store and have em put a tester on the battery. doesn t sound like an alternator prob, BUT you might have a bad ground somewhere. the Battery tester will show if there is a slow draw while the vehicle is off.

good luck

 

[KThaxton]

not sure if deisels work cooperatively with an isolator between the batteries, don't they need the juice from both? for starting mabey,

This is correct, Diesel batteries are connected in parrallel and do not have an isolator or solenoid between them. They need power from both batteries to start, and MUST be replaced in pairs if one goes bad.
As stated, check your connections first, then get the batteries checked.

 

[TaZMaNiaK]

Whelp, now you know how much I know about diesels