I searched around and found a thread that kinda answered my question but didn't want to start up an old thread from months past.

Anyways, my voltage gauge is reading between 16-18 volts and my GEN light becomes lite the whole time I drive. This is my second alternator from autoZone. I know that's probably part of the problem DuraCrap.

I haven't got it checked yet, going to do that today. I'm thinking the voltage regulator but not sure if I can just replace that or if its built into the alternator. I know back in the 80's they voltage regulator was mounted on the firewall.

 

IIRC these trucks have an internal voltage reg. in the alt. but i don't know a ton about the charging systems on these trucks, just enough to wire in lights and a CB radio lol

 

That makes two of us. That's why I'm asking. I'm going to try and clean all the connections today.

 

mechinical systems are stock esp electrical? I don't want to look at a wiring dia (pcm pinout) if it is not accurate.
any codes?

thr PCM controls the alt....SO is the pcm seeing correct voltage.
battery voltage is?
alt output term blk/gry wire voltage at back of alt? wire to batt
Dk/grn voltage is ? with eng off? pcm field
wht/dkblu wire V is?


ps this is an automatic?

 

Dude, I wouldn't bother with it. If it's bad it can fry your PCM and you will have a much bigger bill to deal with. Take it back and tell them its bad. Get a new one or go to Oreillys or Pep Boys (if they are in your area). Dodge copies what GM does and is always a few years behind. They followed the track of GM putting the voltage regulator in the Alt.

 

Well I check all the wires and re-cleaned the battery terminal connections and had the charging system checked. Of course it all checked out fine and nothing out of the ordinary. I will see if it does it again on the way to work. If so I will get it replaced and go else where like you mentioned Ram1500.

 

if you ever need a battery, the everstart maxx at walmart is a really good one. all of the vehicles around my house have one.
my negative cable got loose one time and made the voltage spike to 18v unitil i shut the truck off. so cleaning and reconnecting them might have fixed it for you.

 

Sorry for the delayed update. Everything seems fine now after I cleaned the terminals. It runs between 14-15 volts so I'm happy and no more GEN light.

 

did the terminals have burns on them like the battery was arcing? mine did when my negative cable got loose.

 

Nope, Just had a lot of battery acid buildup.