2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L, 240,000 miles.

Pulled out of the driveway 'Check Guage' light went on, noticed the volt guage was real low. Pulled back in and shut engine off.

I'd like to say the alternator is dead but I'd like to cover my bases. The original alternator was replaced at least 75k miles ago. I'll have to check my folder.

What fuses do I check that are related to the alternator? I searched google for them but literally got ZERO pics.

Temp sensor under the battery tray? Check for continuity?

I'll probably have to charge the battery cause I have no idea how long this has been going on.

I should have known something was up because the volt gauge needle was right in the middle instead of past it like it usually is. The last time the original alternator died that needle was bouncing.

Guess they all go out differently. Thanks

 

I would pull the alternator and have it tested off the vehicle before condemning it. Voltage regulator is in the PCM, and unfortunately, those are a common failure point.

 

Checked the battery this morning and it had over 12 volts and it started right up. But the gauge was still reading low.

Picked a new alternator 6 hours later and the battery was completely dead. Battery was from 2018 so I replaced it as well.

Now the gauge is back to normal. Even with the AC, all the headlights and fog lights on.

$409 for parts.

 

Save your receipts! Don't expect long service life out of that Carquest unit. It'lll probably give you two years tops. If you have u-pull-its nearby, take your time and find an OEM alternator (Denso) out of a junked vehicle. Mine is still going good since 2020.... Nice thing is, these alternators on the 4.7L are super easy to to change.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...lternator.html

 

Thanks. If I get another year out of this Durango it will be a miracle. Original transmission, bad valve seal in cylinder 7, & body literally disintegrating.

I'm debating if I get new tires & alignment or just wing it through the winter.

 

Tires are expensive so if it won't last, watch out for a used set somewhere. I've been lucky with mine, I guess... I do take decent care of it though. I've got 343K mi so far on the clock. Original drivetrain with no rebuilds. No salt here so no rust. I did replace the valve stem seals and lifters back in 20'. That the most work I've done on it, although I've done plenty other stuff.

 

We have a shop here that sells used tires..... You can get a decent set of four, mounted and balanced for under 200 bucks.....