Battery cable issues

2004 DODGE TRUCK
253,000 MILES • 5.9L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAY GROSSMAN
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  • 3 POSTS
There is a cable that runs from the positive to positive side of my battery. If there is a lot of corrosion all in that cable will it effect the charging system. I have one battery showing sixteen volts and seems to show signs of smoke and the other shows twelve volts. Could that cable be the problem? The truck is a 2500 diesel.
Nov 19, 2017 at 4:11 PM
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CARADIODOC
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The two batteries are in parallel to start a diesel engine. That means their two grounds, (negative posts), are tied together, and their two positive posts are tied together. The negative ones are tied together through the engine block, and with smaller wires, through the body. The positive cable between the two needs to have solid connections so both batteries will charge and contribute to the starter. If the two batteries do not have the same voltage, there has to be a break in one of those cables.
Nov 19, 2017 at 4:51 PM
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JAY GROSSMAN
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I have replaced the alternator because my battery would lose its charge. I am thinking that the cable between the positive post is get a lot of corrosion built up on it. I clean it with baking soda but it is deep into the cable. The battery running off the alternator is the one getting hot and it the one showing sixteen volts. My gauge light is on in the dash along with some other lights.
Nov 19, 2017 at 5:28 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Just to add to this one high resistance in the cable from corrosion etc., will cause the cable to heat up. If the corrosion is bellow the cable end I would replace the cable.
Nov 19, 2017 at 5:53 PM