What's Killing My Alternators?
#1
What's Killing My Alternators?
Folks, I've replaced my battery twice, and then the alternator 3 times in the last two months trying to resolve a dead battery issue, what a hassle! Twice the tow truck guys did a test and said alternator is bad.
I thought it was bad alternators I was buying, but I'm wondering if something ese was killing them, like a wiring issue?? I'm taking it to a real mechanic tomorrow!
96 Ram 1500,
I thought it was bad alternators I was buying, but I'm wondering if something ese was killing them, like a wiring issue?? I'm taking it to a real mechanic tomorrow!
96 Ram 1500,
#2
#6
The tow truck driver likely just put a voltmeter on and determined it's not charging, That doesn't mean the alternator itself is bad, as HeyYou mentioned there is also a voltage regulator that controls the alternator. It is part of the PCM and a control wire runs from the PCM to the alternator. So it could indeed be a failure in the PCM but also simply a wiring issue.
#7
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#8
#10
PDC is Power distribution center. The fuse/relay box under the hood.
PCM is powertrain control module. The computer that runs the engine/trans (if you have an automatic)
Voltage regulator for the alternator is built into the PCM. Unfortunately, they are a common failure point. Change the alternator as often as you like, and it still won't charge, as the VR is toast.
PCM is powertrain control module. The computer that runs the engine/trans (if you have an automatic)
Voltage regulator for the alternator is built into the PCM. Unfortunately, they are a common failure point. Change the alternator as often as you like, and it still won't charge, as the VR is toast.