Really strange problem starting. I know my battery is getting time to replace. But had a strange one today. In the morning started the Jeep. Notice the battery charge rate with it running was low at 12V. Checked the connections, wiggled and tightened the positive post. I had already put in a new positive battery clamp yesterday because old one all corroded badly. Looked back at dash charge gauge and charging fine now at near 14v- Thought was ok. Drove 55 miles to work and the last two miles the charge showed down to 12V again. Now wondering if the alternator is bad. But got a code 41. Meaning distributor has a signal issue ? What does that mean?
A little more to the issue.
Late last week, I had a heater hose spring a leak just above the AC Compressor and Alternator. The leak was at the metal tube in the front of the engine, passenger side, so I was able to pull that hose forward past that crack and re-tighten the clamp. It goes to that platic heater valve. Now no leak. Have the new heater hose and will replace this weekend. But now thinking all the antifreeze probably poured onto the alternator and maybe burned it out? Possible? But why code 41?
And charge on the battery (engine off) is near bottom now since I drove home on it. I can check if getting 14v to the battery. If I do, then battery? If not, either alternator or in my Jeep, the voltage regulator is in the computer.
What do I check? Maybe just take out alternator and bring it to AutoZone or someplace to bench test it.


Any ideas ? I'll check the charging at the battery with Jeep running.

 

Code 41 is "alternator field not switching properly", replace your alternator.

 

41 is the alternator? Thanks. Haynes says its distributor not getting signal. Makes sense now. Acted like the alternator but Haynes code is wrong. Thanks.

There is a site for codes. Anyone know where to find it.
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Just checked the battery. Shows 12.06 V , engine off. When run the engine, drops to 11.8V, meaning running off the battery and it is. Will pull the Alternator and get it tested at AZ. Most likely the alternator.

 

Thanks for correcting the code. I pulled the alternator, AutoZone tested it. Was bad. Installed new one. Good to go.

A suggestion for removing the alternator. It helped when I removed the fan shroud and the fan blade. Was able to reach down from the top as well as from underneath, easier to tighten and install some of the bolts. Still had to take off that big L shaped mounting bracket.

 

Pulling the battery tray helps too.