Bad Alternator/airbag Light

[az'03Silverado]

Starting last spring I noticed a couple of things about my truck. One was that the alternator (voltage) needle would fluctuate back and forth slightly and my airbag light would come on at random. So I had the airbag system checked at the dealer and they said that the module is getting the signal that it has been disconnected causing the light to come on. Well, last week I noticed that the headlights and the panel lights were starting to go dim and the voltage gauge was starting to dip lower and lower. I also noticed that this was when the airbag light would come on because it was happening with more frequency. In fact, I could actually get the airbag light to come on just by turning on a high-amp load like the window defogger, etc. So I went ahead and bought a new alternator and stuck it in just to try it. Turns out, it solved both of my problems. The voltage needle sticks right at 14.4 volts and I haven't seen the airbag light in a week whereas it was coming on every 10 minutes or so before. I'm hoping I solved both problems. I'll keep you posted. I just wanted to share in case someone else had a similar problem. The following links are my original postings on the problem.

 

Alternator

Airbag

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

Could have been setting a low voltage code.

[az'03Silverado]

That's what I'm hoping. I hope it's fixed for good.

[az'03Silverado]

Well, it's been a week with the new alternator and no problems whatsoever.