rughetto72

Not sure what is wrong? While driving the battery meter was very low (in the red). When I got home and tried to start it it didn't have enough power to turn over

tjwalker

1. Remove battery cables. Clean the battery posts and cables until SHINY.

2. Load test your battery. Any parts store will do this for you for FREE. The only accurate way of determining battery condition is with a load test. Voltage test alone is absolutely inconclusive. How old is your battery??

rughetto72

Checked battery. It is fine

shawn_00x

check your cables for corrosion and tightness. check the ends good

97xjCrow

Altonator

NorCalJeep

Might have to replace battery cables, or worst case scenario, a new alternator.

jeep19xj91

I had the exact same problem, it was my alternator

rughetto72

Would you recommend getting a replacement or a bigger alternator?

tjwalker

You haven't diagnosed the true root cause yet. Always post the year/engine of your XJ for the most accurate replies. There are significant differences through the years.

Have you cleaned battery connections? Cleaned/refreshed GROUNDS? They are often overlooked and shouldn't be.

What is the alternator output with engine running at idle? Either on the voltage gauge on your dash cluster or with a meter hooked up to the battery, what does it read? You should see somewhere in the area of 13.5 to 14.5 volts.

Anything less and you may have an alternator problem.

TEST your way to a solution. Don't guess.

rughetto72

It's a 94 sport. The volt gauge doesn't hardly move

rughetto72

Grounds are clean and checked

tjwalker

Battery cables and posts CLEAN? They have to be before moving on.

Refer to my earlier post about alternator output. Get a meter and put one lead on each lead of the battery and see what the output is.

That way, you will know for SURE if your alternator is working or not.