In the middle Kentucky/Tennessee with a big problem
#1
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
In the middle Kentucky/Tennessee with a big problem
I'm about 600 miles frm home, have already been towed once today. I seem to have a problem with my alternator and charging system in general, it's Memorial Day, everything is closed.
If there's anyone in the area, Goodlettsville, TN who is willing to figure this issue out, I would be very thankful. I think my next step is replacing the alternator but I'm not even sure I'm going to make it to the campground that we have a reservation at.
2001 Jeep Cherokee, almost stock, towing a small camper
If there's anyone in the area, Goodlettsville, TN who is willing to figure this issue out, I would be very thankful. I think my next step is replacing the alternator but I'm not even sure I'm going to make it to the campground that we have a reservation at.
2001 Jeep Cherokee, almost stock, towing a small camper
#2
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Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
If the volts are low, get an alternator at Auto Zone. They should close on Sunday hours, around 9PM.
If the volts are high, check your battery connections and if problem persists, check your grounds.
You should be able to change the alternator pretty easily with a basic socket set.
Alternately, you can whack the alternator with a hammer, steel pole, etc. to see if the volts come up. I would guess the brushes are worn. I doubt you'll find brushes today, but the alternator should be no big issue.
If the volts are high, check your battery connections and if problem persists, check your grounds.
You should be able to change the alternator pretty easily with a basic socket set.
Alternately, you can whack the alternator with a hammer, steel pole, etc. to see if the volts come up. I would guess the brushes are worn. I doubt you'll find brushes today, but the alternator should be no big issue.
#3
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
If the volts are low, get an alternator at Auto Zone. They should close on Sunday hours, around 9PM.
If the volts are high, check your battery connections and if problem persists, check your grounds.
You should be able to change the alternator pretty easily with a basic socket set.
Alternately, you can whack the alternator with a hammer, steel pole, etc. to see if the volts come up. I would guess the brushes are worn. I doubt you'll find brushes today, but the alternator should be no big issue.
If the volts are high, check your battery connections and if problem persists, check your grounds.
You should be able to change the alternator pretty easily with a basic socket set.
Alternately, you can whack the alternator with a hammer, steel pole, etc. to see if the volts come up. I would guess the brushes are worn. I doubt you'll find brushes today, but the alternator should be no big issue.
#4
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
Terminals changed in 99, so ZJ alternator won't plug up to a 2001 harness. You could try to find a 99+ high-output Durango alternator sometime though.
What is the problem you are having exactly?
What is the problem you are having exactly?
#6
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Ended up buying a referb alt for $120 and replaced it in the parking lot. Everything seems good... Made it to camp.
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#8
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
#9
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Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
New wires, battery that is known to be good, and freshly cleaned/checked engine grounds would all point to a bad alternator.
Do a load test when you get home - put a multimeter on the battery ($8 at harbor freight). The stock voltage gauge doesn't tell me a damn thing usually.
Voltage should be around 13.5 at idle, and with lots of electrical gear turned on (high beams, blower on high, hazard lights flashing, etc) it should actually INCREASE to 14v or so (charging is regulated by the PCM/engine computer, NOT the alternator itself on the later model cherokees).
If you have an upgraded battery ground to chassis wire, and chassis ground to engine block wire, you are probably OK on wiring.
EDIT:
Also, ALWAYS have hand tools. Even when I'm around town, sometimes it is something so simple with basic tools that becomes impossible without them.
Do a load test when you get home - put a multimeter on the battery ($8 at harbor freight). The stock voltage gauge doesn't tell me a damn thing usually.
Voltage should be around 13.5 at idle, and with lots of electrical gear turned on (high beams, blower on high, hazard lights flashing, etc) it should actually INCREASE to 14v or so (charging is regulated by the PCM/engine computer, NOT the alternator itself on the later model cherokees).
If you have an upgraded battery ground to chassis wire, and chassis ground to engine block wire, you are probably OK on wiring.
EDIT:
Also, ALWAYS have hand tools. Even when I'm around town, sometimes it is something so simple with basic tools that becomes impossible without them.
#10
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
If gauge dropped to zero then almost certainly the field terminal came loose. Once that went the ECM couldn't command the alternator to charge, battery ran down, boom
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