2.4 engine block starts smoking after replacing alternator

[03tj2.4]

I recently replaced my alternator in our 03 2.4 and now when I try to reconnect the battery the ground wire connected to the engine block starts smoking and the cables get hot. Could someone please help explain what’s going on with this?

 

[scottgraham]

@Chris title change please.
OP, please post a little info in the title of your thread so people in the know can assist you, or people not in the know (me) don't open the thread.
So for instance a member posted "PLEASE HELP! STRANDED!"
We all knew they were stranded.
Just an FYI, welcome to the fray by the way.

 

[TJ2]

Also, a photo of the alternator would help but you cannot post a picture unless you've been a regular like us.
So we really cannot help you as fast as you wish, call a tech instead.
At any rate, theres only hot (red) on the side and the "other" (2-wire with electrical socket) connected at the back.

 

[03tj2.4]

Here’s the alternator. It’s a 136 amp. The second pic is where it smokes once I connect the negative to the battery.

 

[TJ2]

Try to look at the 2-wire, do you have an amp/volt tester?

 

[03tj2.4]

I have a multimeter but it doesn’t have amps

 

[TJ2]

You might have a knockoff alternator and is defective.
Wiring should be a simple & straight forward.

 

[scottgraham]

"Bad" new parts happen.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I'd disconnect that big fat red wire from the alternator, keep it away from EVERYTHING, and then connect negative to battery. If there's NO smoke at that point, it's the TRIPLE TESTED alternator that may have NEVER actually been tested.

 

[scottgraham]

Did you call the toll free "tech support" number printed on the part?

 

[Flivver250]

I see it is triple tested. Triple tested probably meant it must have failed the first two tests. The quadruple test was the installation. Disconnect the battery, remove it and return it. Most likely defective when you got and surely cooked now.

 

[03tj2.4]

I'd disconnect that big fat red wire from the alternator, keep it away from EVERYTHING, and then connect negative to battery. If there's NO smoke at that point, it's the TRIPLE TESTED alternator that may have NEVER actually been tested.

You were right. Disconnected the alternator and there was no smoke. Gonna take it back