Alernator / Battery / Voltmeter Issues

[WM-300]

Four days ago my 2003 Ram welcomed me with dead batteries. I took it to Dodge for warrantee service. The Service manager said the alternator had a large burned spot on the rear of the case. The alternator was replaced with a new one.

However, now on starting the Voltmeter reads the battery voltage 12.6 volts and does not come right up in voltage to the alternator output of 14.2 volts. These reading were verified with a Fluke Digital Voltmeter. If the engine idles for about 2 minutes the voltmeter will then come up and show the higher voltage of the alternator running. If I launch immediately on engine start, by the time I wind thru 5th gear, the volt meter is showing the alternator output. Once the alternator higher voltage output is shown on the voltmeter, it stays at 14.2 volts until I shut down. On an immediate re-start, the above all repeats.

All my other trucks show alternator output a soon as the alternator spins up. However, I cant remember on my 2003 Ram if there was a lag in the voltmeter showing the alternator higher voltage output. I believe one or two of the batteries got toasted when the alternator overheated. Since this is a warrantee issue, I want to get it fixed quickly as my warrantee expires in 5K miles.

My question; On your 2003 Ram's, how fast does the voltmeter show the higher voltage produced by the alternator running. Must be old age, I cant remember how the voltmeter displayed before the problem.

Thanks
WM300