Help needed: electrical, alternator, or SKIM?

[tnjeepguy]

1999 Sahara, 4.0, auto. 150k miles and always started and run well, but...

This is crazy. The other day, started for a few seconds and stopped. key light on. (all said that is a SKIM issue) Yesterday it started up and ran fine but "check gauges" light on. Key light was still on, then today started and ran and I checked the voltage at the battery and it was about 11 or so, same reading when running. So assume the alternator is not working, low battery volts and no change when running, like the alternator is not putting out anything.

Just to make sure it was not the battery cables corroded, I took them all off and cleaned them well. Started up and stopped after a few seconds like before and key light on ??

I ordered a new alternator so we will see, but not positive it is bad ?? What do you think ??

thanks Doug

 

[KennethS]

Why not bring the alternator to get tested to see if it's actually bad or not? Most auto parts stores will do that for no charge.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Good idea, also beginning to think the battery may be the problem. Charged on 2 amp for couple hours and now is 11.97 volts and started right up and kept running !! But alternator still not charging. battery ??

 

[macleanflood]

I ordered a new alternator so we will see, but not positive it is bad ??

Good pun.

If you have a good auto electric shop in town I'd have them test and rebuild your alternator.

-Mac

 

[TJ Jim]

Glad it didn’t do that on Saturday! When I replaced the ignition switch, the pin, and the tumbler on mine it would intermittently not stay running and the key light would light. Went back to the old tumbler and it fixed that. The original problem was the accessory position would sometimes work or not.
I didn’t know the 1999 year had a skim module? Thought that came in later years?

 

[tnjeepguy]

Glad it didn’t do that on Saturday!

Different TJ. Problems with the tan one in the pic.

 

[tnjeepguy]

Battery tested OK at NAPA, alternator tested at the starter and alternator shop and was not charging.
Had already ordered a new PA Performance one from Extreme Terr, so will see if that fixes the problems ??

Rebuild ? or order new OE was going to be about the same as PA Perf

 

[macleanflood]

Rebuild from the local shop imho.

-Mac

 

[TJ Jim]

Rebuild kit on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C54CR1Z1?tag=wranglerorg-20
Or you can get one on eBay for $27

 

[mrblaine]

I didn’t know the 1999 year had a skim module? Thought that came in later years?

SKIM started in 98 which is the same year that the UK mandated some sort of OEM anti-theft in vehicles.

 

[TJ Jim]

SKIM started in 98 which is the same year that the UK mandated some sort of OEM anti-theft in vehicles.

So all tj’s didn’t come standard with skim? Some have the black key, some the gray?

 

[mrblaine]

So all tj’s didn’t come standard with skim? Some have the black key, some the gray?

Always optional.

 

[jonny jeep]

SKIM started in 98 which is the same year that the UK mandated some sort of OEM anti-theft in vehicles.

Sentry key got Thatcham Cat 2 (immobiliser) approval over here, and as the two button fob system in 97 didn't, I had to have a separate Thatcham approved immobiliser as an insurance requirement.

I fitted a Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser with dual zone radar, as within two days of getting the Jeep somebody was in it overnight. At least they had the sense to unzip the rear window and climb in instead of slashing it with a knife.

Since then I have two fobs that both need turning off to start the Jeep. It's a bit of a pain, but it is what it is.