Alternator or what
I have a 2000 jeep that is no getting a charge to the battery but the alternator is good and I have new wire ran from alt to battery and to fuse box and ground from the block what else could it be wrong I'm at loss!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: West Texas
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Are we talking "NEW" power cable from alternator to the battery? did you notice if the "old" one had the in line fuseable link?
also, is your battery fully charged? I would go by what the specs say on the connections (from Haynes manual or the JEEP shop manual, or chiltons.)
meter out the connections (12dcv) and also continuity checks to ground.
thats where I would start......also look for the obvious connections......
nuts tightened down real well, batt posts clean and cables cinched down well.....etc etc.
hope it helps.
cpnwrench
also, is your battery fully charged? I would go by what the specs say on the connections (from Haynes manual or the JEEP shop manual, or chiltons.)
meter out the connections (12dcv) and also continuity checks to ground.
thats where I would start......also look for the obvious connections......
nuts tightened down real well, batt posts clean and cables cinched down well.....etc etc.
hope it helps.
cpnwrench
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 1
From: Missoula, MT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6 Stroker, AFE Headers, 62mm TB, 24 LB Injectors, Brown Dog kit, HF Cat, 3" Exhaust
maybey your battery is just completly shot.. happened to me once.. just died and would no longer charge or hold a charge of any kind..
Last edited by Ianf406; Feb 10, 2011 at 01:07 PM.
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
battery terminals could be shot. I'd look at replacing the terminals and cleaning up the posts of the battery really well.
Also get your battery LOAD TESTED (which is very different than just measuring the voltage)
Also get your battery LOAD TESTED (which is very different than just measuring the voltage)
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So you did a voltage reading on the battery with the Jeep off (should have read 12 volts), then you did another voltage reading on the battery when the car was idling (should have read ~14 volts?)?
Details on the diagnostics you already accomplished helps us know where to go next.
If your alternator is in fact putting out ~14 volts, test the battery for 700 CCA (cold cranking amps). How old is the battery? Have you seen any other indications power-wise (i.e. dash lights flickering, gauges acting up, etc)? Is your serpentine belt loose/worn (alternator may not be spinning as it should be)?
I think putting the same type of cable that was on there is a good start.
Write back with the points where/when you take voltage readings. This will give us a better chance of doing the diagnosis and "process of elimination".
Details on the diagnostics you already accomplished helps us know where to go next.
If your alternator is in fact putting out ~14 volts, test the battery for 700 CCA (cold cranking amps). How old is the battery? Have you seen any other indications power-wise (i.e. dash lights flickering, gauges acting up, etc)? Is your serpentine belt loose/worn (alternator may not be spinning as it should be)?
I think putting the same type of cable that was on there is a good start.
Write back with the points where/when you take voltage readings. This will give us a better chance of doing the diagnosis and "process of elimination".
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
okay. so, im having the same problem here and im not too familiar with electrical systems or multi-meters for that matter. I do have a multi-meter though!
Ive had a severe loss of electrical power to the point where my radio shut on and off and eventually just stayed off, then the voltage meter plummeted to 9ish and thats when the speedo and tach quit. And the odd thing was that she run okay. A little sluggish on pickup but never any hesitation or skipping. Then just as i got home the seat belt little came on along with a buzzing sound. I'm thinking its the alternator but i've heard of people having regulator issues, bad/loose belts, battery terminals and cables, the list goes on. I will check the terminals and wires in the morning and take the alternator out and over to autozone. The battery is barely a month and a half old, don't know how much that means haha. if that all checks out where should i start?
96' cherokee country 4.0L 4x4
96' cherokee country 4.0L 4x4
Last edited by TCSwizz; Feb 19, 2011 at 11:04 PM.
☠ CF Sheriff ☠

Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,197
Likes: 18
From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
okay. so, im having the same problem here and im not too familiar with electrical systems or multi-meters for that matter. I do have a multi-meter though!
Ive had a severe loss of electrical power to the point where my radio shut on and off and eventually just stayed off, then the voltage meter plummeted to 9ish and thats when the speedo and tach quit. And the odd thing was that she run okay. A little sluggish on pickup but never any hesitation or skipping. Then just as i got home the seat belt little came on along with a buzzing sound. I'm thinking its the alternator but i've heard of people having regulator issues, bad/loose belts, battery terminals and cables, the list goes on. I will check the terminals and wires in the morning and take the alternator out and over to autozone. The battery is barely a month and a half old, don't know how much that means haha. if that all checks out where should i start?
96' cherokee country 4.0L 4x4
96' cherokee country 4.0L 4x4
You can take the alternator to your local auto parts store to get bench tested, but i'll almost guarantee that it's gone bad and you need a new one. Replace it and charge your battery fully before restarting (you could burn up the new alternator otherwise).


