I want to replace the generator on my 97 5.9L Ram. The A/C lines sit on top of the generator, and the fan shroud is a couple inches in front of it. It looks like it may be easiest to pull the cold air intake hose and pull the generator back/up. Any suggestions for the easiest way to get it out?

The service manual just says remove the generator after removing the serpentine belt and disconnecting various things, but doesn't indicate the best removal route.

Thanks for any guidance that can be provided.

 

There are four bolts holding the fan on. If you remove those, you can take the fan loose but leave it laying in the shroud. Now you can remove the shroud (with the fan) easily. Maybe that will help?

 

You taking about the alternator?

 

Yes. The service manual refers to it as a generator. I understand the difference between an alternator and a generator, and I hadn't thought cars used generators since the 60's. Perhaps the inverter isn't in the alt/gen body.

 

Remove the serpentine belt from the alt, and a/c compressor. Four bolts to remove the compressor, plus, one that holds the lines in place by the alt. (which also has a ground for the alt on it.) Set the compressor over to the passenger side, which gives a LOT more access to the alt. Then, its just a few bolts, and wiring connections, and the alt comes off.

Why do you want to replace the alternator?

 

Thanks HeyYou. That sounds like the route to go.

I'm getting 11-12 volts when the truck first starts and the GEN light comes on. Sometimes it will jump up to 14 volts after a few minutes and sometimes not. I don't know how old the generator is, but it's not an aftermarket part and could be OE so I figured I'd go ahead and replace it (97 with 212k miles).

 

Take it and have it tested, sounds more to me like a voltage regulator problem... Unfortunately, the regulator is part of the PCM......

 

I knew it could also be the voltage regulator, but since the alternator appears to be of an advanced age I figured I may as well replace it. I'll go ahead and get the old alternator tested anyways just to know for sure. If it tests ok I'll see about reselling it.

 

Update. Moving the compressor did the trick (thanks again HeyYou).

Replaced the old Denso unit with a Bosch (had to swap pulleys), and volt meter shows 14+ volts right after starting. Hadn't done that in a few weeks.

 

Awesome. So the alt actually was bad.