jeepro

hello my 96 jeep cherokee battery light is on I have replaced alt cleaned all grounds changed pcm and light is still on and will not charge any ideas. thanks in advance for your help.

JamromXJ

Did you check the alternator? Sounds like it's bad. Because it's new doesn't mean it's good. Was in a reman or OEM new?

Take your leads, put it on DC volts, and place them color-coded across the battery... black to black, red to red. Let it read the voltage. Should be somewhere between 13.5 and 15 volts (optimum is usually 14.3.

If it's less than that, your alternator is not charging.

If it's where it should be... then most likely the battery is shot... it could have a dead cell, shorted cell...etc. Pull it and have it tested.

JR

Firehawk068

First, check to make sure you have battery voltage at the "Batt" post on the back of the alternator.
On some vehicles this has a fusible link built-in to the wire. (not certain if XJs or '96 in particular has this)
If you do not have battery voltage at this terminal, then this wire is your issue.

Make sure both field wires are connected properly, and if you can drive a short distance. Take the jeep down to the Auto parts store and have them do a battery/charging system test on it.