1993 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 aw4 4x4 all that jazz. ok so recently The jeep hasn't been charging up to par. replaced the alternator and now even with all the accessories on it charges at 13.8 at the battery. HOWEVER, it seems the voltage is not reaching the inside of the cabin. volt meter on dash reads 12.5 at most and when I'm at idle it seems like I have low voltage (low lights, slow turn signals etc) Kind of at a loss here. anyone else experienced such a problem? thanks!!

 

Don't fully trust on the meter on the dash, plenty of times I have heard of them not being accurate

Mine, on an 89 4.0 was heading to 9V everytime I turned on the ac, checked the voltage at the battery and it was good, finally replaced the ignition switch and saw a difference on the meter, but still not the same reading at the battery

at the end, I learned that the meter is not 100% accurate, but know I know is a bit off so I don't worry too much.

check yours with a digital voltmeter inside the cab for a true reference!

 

Well I know not to trust it fully. I will swap ignition switches and see what's up. I have heard the switch can cause these problems. Thanks!

 

What voltage readings are you getting at the interior fuse block?

Have you cleaned all positive and ground connections coming off the battery, alternator and engine?

Have you been having any other problems other than the ones you mentioned?

HVAC system working okay?

Ignition switch could be the problem, assuming that there is a problem with low voltage, but you will typically have something else that will point to it.

 

Just to add, maybe it's just me but standing on my head and swapping out an ignition switch and then trying to get it adjusted is not one of my favorite jobs.

Before swapping the switch, I would unplug the connector to the switch and check voltage in (red wire) and then plug it in and check voltage out with the key in On or Acc position. An easy place to get a reading is the #9 cavity in the interior fuse panel (red 10 amp fuse for radio and interior lights).