2014 Silverado 1500 - Bad Alternator? Steering Dims Headlights

[ZombieK5]

This is the 2nd issue with our 16yr olds "new to him" 1500 High Country with 157,000 miles

 

When we got the truck home from the used car lot, the headlight dimmed ALOT when truck was stopped and we turned the steering wheel.  I am guessing weak alternator but there are no other apparent electrical issues.

 

I thought the truck had an electric steering rack like some of the more modern vehicles but I believe it is an old school rack and pinion with a steering pump.

 

I was also thinking battery but I thought once the truck was started all power supplied by the alternator.

 

A NEW GM 170amp alternator is reasonably priced so I may just swap one in for good measure.

 

Any ideas or thoughts?

Edited December 6, 2024 by ZombieK5

[mikeyk101]

IMHO, if the battery is staying charged while truck is running, the alternator is probably ok. Usually a bad alternator will start putting out less and less and be unable to charge the battery. have you checked the output voltage at the battery with a multimeter? 

 

One of the biggest weak points on these trucks is the grounds. The grounds get corroded and all kinds of electrical issues show up. There is a ground on passenger side towards the rear of front wheel well that probably needs to be cleaned up at the mount. there should be another in back of engine that is attached to the firewall. Its more of a ground strap that will become frail and can crumble. it might need to be replaced. That will get you started. 

[rav3]

What does the "Volts" gauge read on tge dash? Should read about 14.5V.

Lots of issues with Silverados with bad grounds. Search YouTube for that. You can aways have Auto store to check electrical (alternator & battery)

I would try to find the issue before throwing parts at it.

[64BAwagon]

A lot of the trucks will have a ground lug on the body mount under the drivers feet, this one gets pretty crusty and is always the first one I clean.