Hello everyone. I'm am new to the forum as a member. 17 years old from Canada.

I own a 1994 dodge dakota. When i bought the truck it was running nice and smooth, once the weather started to hit cold i had a charging problem. Went to the junk hard and bought a used alternator....new battery, fixed the problem.

Now i have another problem, just the like the first one. When i ground the alternator it charges around 16 volts. When i dont do any grounding it's not charging enough....is there anyway i can get around this? Do i need a new computer? Can i just ground the alternator and get a aftermarket resistor?

P.S It's a 3.9L V6

Thanks

 

Is there a way i can Bypass the computer and buy a voltage regulator and run that stright from the alternator to the battery? If anyone can help me that would be great.


Thanksssss

 

You know, I don't know, but I kinda wonder this too!
I'm sure this can be done, but the computer might throw a code.
You can download the wiring diagram and figure out where to do.
But, for 3.9/5.2L, there will be two thick wires (black is direct battery, black/white is ground). And two thin wires, dark green goes to the computer, and dark blue is power from the ASD (telling the alternator "trucks on").
I don't understand how voltage regulators work, so I will eventually do some reading on it, but I can't provide any more information.

 

I would suggest just to buy a new alt. If it does it again you can return it back for warranty. Every 2yrs or so my alt. dies. I just head back to autozone and get a new one. I would suggest napa for best quality. I wish I did go to napa!

 

There are also 3 different amperage sizes for alternators on this truck.. There's 75, 90, and 120 amp. Be sure you got the right one.

 

I'd check your engine ground - maybe take it off and clean then re-attach it.

Chryslers are famous for multiple grounds and a dirty connection will wreak all kinds of havok

 

I totally agree. Electronics is the one thing I wouldn't screw around with from the salvage yard. You have no history on the part. By the time you go through 2 or 3 of them you could've purchased a new one with a warranty.

Just my 2 cents