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raincityrick
New User
Oct 30, 2013, 7:38 PM
Post #1 of 5
(1917 views)
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Dash gauge showed discharge, battery went dead. Replaced alternator and it worked as it should for 6 months. While driving, wipers start slowing down, gauge shows discharge, engine lugs down and dies, battery is dead. Replaced alternator, and all was well for a week, and it happened again.two bench tests showed the alternator to be fine, but I got a new alternator anyway, installed it and all was well for three months or so. Then it happened again.I replaced the alternator again and everything was great for 15 miles then gauge showed total discharge. Stopped the van, restarted it and gauge showed partially discharge, check engine light came on and engine started running rough, which it does periodically, so probably isn't related(?). I am feeling very frustrated, and now able to drive, because don't want to get stranded again. The van is a 2001 Dodge Ram B2500, 8 cyclinder 318 engine. Any suggestions or ideas? Thank you, Rick.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 31, 2013, 2:35 AM
Post #2 of 5
(1896 views)
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Re: Bad alternator??
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This could be just an issue with the quality of the parts or there may be a problem with the PCM but i doubt that because a new alternator always fixes it. I don't suppose you have an aftermarket stereo installed?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 31, 2013, 8:40 AM
Post #3 of 5
(1889 views)
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Re: Bad alternator??
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Always have the battery tested on a Chrysler product before you start testing for charging system faults. The battery connections must be clean and tight.
Your going to have to perform some diagnostic tests to find out what is going on. The problem has to be occurring or you'll get inaccurate results. Check battery voltage with a DVOM at the alternator lug. If the alternator isn't charging, you need to test the field circuit.
The PCM controls the alternator's output by supplying power and grounding the field circuit. The dark blue wire should be battery voltage at the alternator connector with the engine running and the dark green wire should be a pulsed ground. You can perform a test and ground the dark green circuit to fully field the alternator if the PCM is supplying battery voltage on the dark blue wire. Only do this for a couple of seconds to see if the alternator begins charging. If it starts charging, you either have a wiring problem or a problem inside the PCM.
You should also check for any trouble codes being stored in the PCM. You will probably need a high end scan tool to get to the manufacture side of the PCM to see charging system trouble codes. The PCM monitors the system voltage and the battery temperature sensor to control the alternator's output. Those inputs would need to be verified while the problem is occurring. A scan tool with datastream capability would be the preferred method for checking the inputs.
With enough test data, you should be able to isolate the culprit.
There is also a recall on those for a loose alternator connection causing fires. Inspect the alternator connection at the power distribution center. You should call your local dealer and see if this recall is still open. Recall number 02V042000.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 31, 2013, 8:45 AM)
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raincityrick
New User
Nov 3, 2013, 8:23 PM
Post #4 of 5
(1849 views)
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Re: Bad alternator??
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Hi- the van does have an after market stereo, that was on the van before I bought it. For the first year I drove it, there were not alternator problems. During this second year, I have replaced the alternator (brand new) four times now. You you please explaine how the stereo could be causing a problem? Thank you, Rick.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 4, 2013, 3:16 AM
Post #5 of 5
(1846 views)
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Re: Bad alternator??
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Because some of these aftermarket stereos will draw 10 times the current as the original and cause the alternator to put out maximum output constantly and these alternators and especially these cheap remans aren't capable of doing that.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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