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alternator or battery?

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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 10:47 PM
  #1  
truckntractorhick's Avatar
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From: Harleysville, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Powertech
Lightbulb alternator or battery?

ok its like 10F out and while driving home i had my accs. goin (headlights, fogs, stereo, gps, and heater) and when i turned on my offroad lights it killed the engine... luckily it pop started and kept goin after i turned it all off. so yea i think its the battery not being able to hold a supply.......... HELP its my DD!!
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 10:50 PM
  #2  
maverickdan's Avatar
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From: Midlothian, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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what amperage is your altenator? thats a lot of load on the stock alt. does your jeep have a volt gauge?
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 10:54 PM
  #3  
truckntractorhick's Avatar
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From: Harleysville, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Powertech
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oops forgot to mention that...... its at 14 when idling with standard stuff like headlights, fogs, stereo quietly on, and heater. leading to my guess that the alternator is good and the battery just cant take the extra load as it surpasses the alternator's capacity!
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 10:56 PM
  #4  
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From: Midlothian, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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how old is your battery? you can have it tested at most auto parts stores for free.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 11:00 PM
  #5  
jeepski89's Avatar
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From: virginia beach
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 high output
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I recommend and exspecially for a daily driver like mine and optima yellow top. Try to get a deal because there a little pricey.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 11:04 PM
  #6  
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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your symptoms from your first post are most likely the alternator. the alternator is a direct connect to the battery, and pops straight from there to the wiring harness on renix, or fuse box on H.O.


even a bad battery shouldn't affect a vehicle that is already running. it *could* give you dim lights etc. but if your car is gonna die, it's more serious than just a battery.


this is just my experience.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 11:10 PM
  #7  
truckntractorhick's Avatar
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From: Harleysville, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Powertech
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hmm.... ok well i have the alternator from a GC for free so ill do that first.
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Old Jan 7, 2011 | 11:14 PM
  #8  
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Year: 1987
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Engine: 4.0
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'97 and '98 are the only years that work on yours. '96 and older don't, '99 and newer don't.
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 07:06 AM
  #9  
truckntractorhick's Avatar
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From: Harleysville, PA
Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0L I6 Powertech
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ok well u guys where right! i got a new alternator from a 97 GC (what a ***** to fit in.....) and it works perfectly! doesnt drop below 14 volts with everything one!
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