Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

alternator help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-03-2016, 01:46 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mattloz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 5.3 LS
Default alternator help

Hey guys I have a 1990 jeep Cherokee limited 4.0 4x4 and I bought it used and put in a new motor ( had one from my other jeep). Well I notice that the alternator gauge dosent read. So I figured bad alternator and since I was buying electric fans and some LEDs I figured just to buy a new 100 amp alternator because i didn't know the condition of the old one. Well long story short I installed the new alternator and my gauge didn't move from the red. I have already refreshed all the grounds according to cruisers54 tips. I have yet to install thicker wire from the alternator to the relay( is that correct the wire from alternator to the actual relay and not battery post +??) and when I turn on my fans lights dim a lot ( it should be a total of about 25 amp draw from the fans together), haven,t checked voltage at battery due to not owning a multi meter, but i heard people disconnecting the positive cabke and if the jeep stays on alternator is good and if its bad turns off ( is that a good test??)
Old 03-03-2016, 10:11 PM
  #2  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,872
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Get the multimeter.
Old 03-03-2016, 10:22 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
steelybill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Saginaw Mi area
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Even a cheapee digital multi-meter from Harbor Freight will let you know if the battery voltage increases like it should, when the engine is started.....
Old 03-03-2016, 10:23 PM
  #4  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,872
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by steelybill
Even a cheapee digital multi-meter from Harbor Freight will let you know if the battery voltage increases like it should, when the engine is started.....
$5.
Old 03-03-2016, 10:40 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Mattloz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 5.3 LS
Default

Originally Posted by cruiser54
$5.
I have. Another post in another section and what I stated there was that I bought a 4 gauge wire and connected that from the alternator straight to the battery post (+) with engine of I had 12.5-12.6 and With engine running 14.3ish with both electric fans on at idle ( I bought a dmm at autozone didn't have time to go to harbor) should I reconnect the cable to the relay or leave it at the battery post?
Old 03-03-2016, 10:52 PM
  #6  
::CF Moderator::
 
cruiser54's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,872
Received 1,526 Likes on 1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Mattloz
I have. Another post in another section and what I stated there was that I bought a 4 gauge wire and connected that from the alternator straight to the battery post (+) with engine of I had 12.5-12.6 and With engine running 14.3ish with both electric fans on at idle ( I bought a dmm at autozone didn't have time to go to harbor) should I reconnect the cable to the relay or leave it at the battery post?
a bit confusing and it's bed time for me.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bjsully29
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
17
08-16-2017 04:52 PM
HopWorks
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
05-04-2016 11:26 AM
Valdez0_0
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
02-17-2016 06:21 AM
Rebs221
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
1
02-09-2016 02:16 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: alternator help



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:09 PM.