2006 Wrangler X 4.0. Had back surgery 2 weeks ago and the Jeep has been sitting. I started it a couple of times with no problem. Last start I heard a noise from the engine like something rubbing but it went away. The voltage is at 10 (?. last dot before red) and the Check Gauges light is on. Battery is pushing 3 years old so I had it replace and nothing, same thing. Before replacing the alternator I wanted to see if anyone had any ideas
Is it my alternator?
- Thread starter fl14fm1
- Start date
Check the battery connectors and connections to the alternator first. The alternator runs off battery voltage (yes, it requires power from the battery) so the connections are all very important. And with a new battery, that volt meter should be sitting at its normal position unless something in your Jeep is draining the battery. Any new or different electrical/electronic things in the Jeep? A shorted rectifier (diode) in the alternator can also drain the battery too.
Thanks for replying Jerry. Nothing new at all. Like I said it sat for almost 2 weeks and I started it twice just to run it. Nothing new has been added at all. The connectors were cleaned really good and are in good condition.
if you have a multi-meter check that battery lugs (with engine off). Not the terminals. Then check the terminals to see if they read the exact thing. If not, then you have corrosion or something else going wrong. If good, follow the wire going from your battery to your alternator, and check that to make sure it is the same voltage keeping your negative on the battery the whole time. Then fire up the engine and do that again.
You should be 12.6 on a good battery and anywhere above that to 14.9 on a good alternator.
If your battery, with your engine off, is less than 12.6. You need to charge it. I recommend a slow trickle charge overnight. Then test again. If all of the tests are good, then I would guess your alternator. If it is over 15, I would guess your regulator, but it doesn't sound like that is an issue anyway.
It is difficult to test a alternator accurately if your battery is under charged. It is difficult to test the battery if it is undercharged. So your best bet is to make sure the battery is fully charged and that the connections are awesome as Jerry stated earlier. if that is all good, then you should be getting well over 13v from your alternator.
TJ2
TJ Expert
My battery kept draining due to a faulty multi functional switch. Any chance your fog lights or interior lights are on?
TJ2
TJ Expert
Yeah I get rid of those and replace them with these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LLWKXV6/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Then I replace my cables with a bigger gauge wire with ends in them, and bolt them to the heavy end. Here is a picture of mine:
TJ2
TJ Expert
That one in the picture is actually my Aux battery, you can't really see it, but there is one under it also. I used Optima's, so I could mount them sideways.
Both batteries are yellow top Optima's, but if you are not running dual batteries you can probably get a fine cheaper battery.
I did a write-up in the how to section for dual batteries there might be some better batteries. I did replace all of my terminals and cables at the same time. Including the grounds.
TJ2
TJ Expert
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