2001 Dakota sport quad cab 4.7L V8. The battery and the alternator are both brand new. I took the truck to the shop to have the electrical system tested and all cables were good and the voltage regulator is working. The problem is that the alternator is not charging the battery and the truck is not running on the amount of volts it is supposed to be I was wondering if I replaced the alternator pigtails would that solve the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

So what are you voltage readings with the engine at idle and at say 2,000rpm and engine off?

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

I believe it was at 10 or 11 volts either way it is at 2 volts short of where it supposed to be and it is only getting electricity from the battery.

 

Check the battery temp sensor under the battery tray. It will disable the alternator if the battery is over temperature.

 

That's not too far from normal if read at idle. My dash gauge falls almost to the red line at idle but goes to "normal" around 1700 RPM. I know idling in gear I only show 11.8 volts.

 

My dash gauge does that also but instead of going up it will drop down and the check gauges light comes on.

 

battery temp sensor is my first thought. I *think* it's the only determining factor whether the alternator gets enabled or not.

 

will check and if this helps any the trouble codes I got were p0622 and p1682

 

Within the FAQ -------- General Info, DIY, Engine Swaps, Lift + Lowering kit, Modification Ideas thread, is a link to the DTC codes.

P0622 Alternator Field Not Switching Properly

P1682 Charging Sys Voltage Too Low

 

How did they test the voltage regulator? If the output is low, and you've got a code then there is a likely problem with it.

These code are from the 2001 factory service manual. Why they differ from what Magnethead posted I don't know. They're close though.

P0622: An open or shorted condition detected in the generator field control circuit.
P1682: Charging system output voltage low.

Unfortunately, the regulator is built into the PCM.

Start with the basics. Make sure all connections are clean and tight. Then, post back with what you are getting at 2000 rpm. Use a digital meter at the battery, not the one in the dash. It should be between 13.6-14.2.