97 Neon Charging Trouble
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
97 Neon Charging Trouble
Hi,
Working on a 1997 Dodge Neon Highline SOHC 2.0L engine with 143K miles. Having problems with the charging system. The battery light comes on 3 to 5 seconds after the engine is started. This problem is intermittent and is now doing it again. The alternator and belt has been replaced last year. I understand that there is a "Battery Temperature Sensor" located on the bottom of the battery tray. The cover and hose are still there and in good shape.
1. Is there a test for this sensor?
2. What is the preferred method to get to the sensor?
3. Is there something else I should be checking?
Thank you.
Working on a 1997 Dodge Neon Highline SOHC 2.0L engine with 143K miles. Having problems with the charging system. The battery light comes on 3 to 5 seconds after the engine is started. This problem is intermittent and is now doing it again. The alternator and belt has been replaced last year. I understand that there is a "Battery Temperature Sensor" located on the bottom of the battery tray. The cover and hose are still there and in good shape.
1. Is there a test for this sensor?
2. What is the preferred method to get to the sensor?
3. Is there something else I should be checking?
Thank you.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Here is how you test the alternator while it is on the vehicle.
How to test your alternator on the vehicle:
To check to see if your alternator is working, unplug or remove the two field wires from the back of the alternator. Then ground one of the field terminals on the alternator and jumper the other field terminal to the positive battery post on the back of the alternator. It does not matter which terminal is grounded and which one get positive power. When you connect the ground and positive wires to the field terminals you will get a small spark, this is normal. This is by-passing the voltage control and will cause your alternator to run full blast, if it is working. Put a multi-meter on your battery and run your engine on high idle, do not allow your alternator to charge the battery much over 16 volts. If you find that your alternator is charging when you do this procedure, but does not charge when you connect it back to the computer, this kit will get your alternator working and charging at the proper voltage. The voltage regulator in the ERCKFRM kit is preset at 14.5 volts. If you want to adjust the voltage regulator you use the screw on the back, but be sure the metal case of the voltage regulator is grounded while you adjust it.
Ref: QSERCK , ERCK, FRM, ERCK-FRM
How to test your alternator on the vehicle:
To check to see if your alternator is working, unplug or remove the two field wires from the back of the alternator. Then ground one of the field terminals on the alternator and jumper the other field terminal to the positive battery post on the back of the alternator. It does not matter which terminal is grounded and which one get positive power. When you connect the ground and positive wires to the field terminals you will get a small spark, this is normal. This is by-passing the voltage control and will cause your alternator to run full blast, if it is working. Put a multi-meter on your battery and run your engine on high idle, do not allow your alternator to charge the battery much over 16 volts. If you find that your alternator is charging when you do this procedure, but does not charge when you connect it back to the computer, this kit will get your alternator working and charging at the proper voltage. The voltage regulator in the ERCKFRM kit is preset at 14.5 volts. If you want to adjust the voltage regulator you use the screw on the back, but be sure the metal case of the voltage regulator is grounded while you adjust it.
Ref: QSERCK , ERCK, FRM, ERCK-FRM
Professional
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Alternator may be new but the internal voltage regulator could be shot. You could run a voltmeter on the pos and neg terminals of the battery while the car is running and check the voltage (about 14.5V). Volts could be good but amps may be low. Better yet pull the alternator and bring it to a auto parts store and they will bench check it for free.