Let me start by saying sorry for the story but I haven't found a problem like mine yet. I have a 03 dakota 4.7l automatic. About six months ago now I was driving across town and my check gauges pop on and my voltage is drops all the way down. So remembering tht my terminals were pre dirty I pulled off and cleaned them started up fine jus as always then the voltage Meter again dropped to nothing. So I get it home pull the alt. Have it checked it tested good, go home put it back on charges fine again. Tht lasted about a week and it happened again soo I pop the hood and un plug then 're plug in the alt and then it works fine again. This type of "fix" worked for the next month or soo with the problem only popping up here and there. In this time I found out my check engine code p0622 came up soo after a lil research on tht I did 're wire the switch going into the alt thinking it may b bad. That did no harm or good. Finally the problem returns and can't get it to work soo I finally buy a new alt. This seemingly cured the problem for the past three going on four months. Then today driving across town the same thing happened. N this whole ordeal the truck has always started great. I jus went out and checked the CE codes and I have the 0622 and now a p2503 code. Haven't got to research the new one yet. Any ideas have heard sum ppl say could b a bad ground, is there any popular ground spots known to get bad more than others? Any place to start looking? I ask this because I noticed today that that voltage meter will drop within 5 secs of turning the key on wether u start the motor or not. Wht would make it drop like tht when it isn't even running? Any help would b appreciated

 

P0622 is the generator field not switching properly.
P2503 is charging system voltage low


Put a voltmeter on it and tell us the readings before you start the truck and again with it running. Don't use the dash gauge, they're not that accurate.


Disconnect the battery. Check and clean all the connectors to the alternator and at the PCM. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight when you get done.


You might also consider having this alternator tested - even though it's only a few months old.