Well, I went to go to work and I started it then it died real quick, then I tried it again and it started just fine.....Went to work and on the way my voltage guage spikes to the top and the check guages light went on...I noticed that the acutal check guages light was flickering as if i wasnt getting enough power....So I park it and then try to restart it and nothing happens for a second and then it starts, just barely though...So now im guessing that the battery or the alt is bad, does anyone have an idea? I work untill 5 today so i wont have a chance to check anything out untill I get off, I really hope it starts....Once I get home I can check the alt charge and battery charge with a meter, but I want to see if anyone knows beforehand what it prolly is....
Thanks

 

I've never had a bad alt make my volt meter spike. They've always just stopped tossing power which drained everything, made everything dim.

There is a chance its the Alt/voltage regulator, though.

 

Sounds like the voltage regulator. Its in the PCM.

 

You can do an external regulator, correct? I think I saw a thread on here somewhere about it...

 

Yea but its gonna trip a cel

 

agree with deisl

 

Thanks, now how bad is it gonna be if i drive around with it like this, considering it starts back up? And im a noob when it comes to anything electrical but where can I find one of these, auto parts store like Napa? Also, where is this located so I can fix it?

 

It could overpower the system.

Junkyard, should be under the hood to the left near the firewall. Not exactly sure on a 01

 

Well thats not good...I just did some quick searching and found a couple of different things that said that the voltage regualtor cannot be serviced? I have no clue what do do about this!

 

You have to replace the whole PCM.

 

Oh jezz, this is not good....Its really turning into a money pit now
Thanks

 

im pretty sure that the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator. ive never heard until now that the VR is external. if i am right and it is internal then you just need to replace the alt and its really easy to do

 

Its in the PCM, cherokees, at least HO, do not have one in the case of the alt.

 

Don't continue to drive the vehicle. You are driving on battery power and may get stranded somewhere. In you model the voltage regulator is in the PCM. I would have the alternator checked to see if it is good. If it checks out good you may have a voltage regulator or wiring problem.

If it checks out bad, replace it and see if that corrects the problem or if you still have a problem. Then look at the wiring/PCM.

 

Test the battery, load test the alternator, go from there.