I have a 2004 Durango Ltd with the 5.7L Hemi. About 6 months ago, my battery died, got it jumped and checked and it was suggested that the alternator wasnt supplying enough voltage. I took it in to a shop and they disagreed, replaced my battery and sent me on my way. I was issue free for almost 6 months. Today, it died again. Got it jumped and tested. The alternetor was supplying 11.4 to 11.9v to the battery (not enough as I understand it). I also noticed a whining from the alternator today that increased in pitch with engine RPM.

So...I think I need a new alternator.

My alternator is a DENSO 12v unit. Doesnt have amperage on the tag. Two questions:

1) What amperage do I need (2004 5.7L Hemi, VES equipped)?

2) Is this a replacement I can do in my front yard? I have swapped alternators before on smaller (and significantly older) engines, but never this one. It is mounted up top and appears to be accessible, but it was dark when I was looking at it and too hot still to feel around for bolt accessability.

Thoughts?

Thanks all!

 

Definitely sounds to me like you need a new alternator. It's not too difficult to do. Go to your local auto parts store, give them your truck specifics, and they'll have it on file what alternator is needed for your engine.

You can do this in parking lot if you have tools. It's only a few bots holding the alternator onto the engine block, and then the plugs and such connected to it. If I weren't on my phone, I'd give you a YouTube video showing you how to do it.

Bottom line, this is a very easy thing to do. If anybody else is out there, could you put a YouTube link on here with a video for this guy? I'll try to get one as soon as i can.