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 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.

 

This is probably funny, since I'm stuck out here with limited options, but if I'm going to put a new alternator on I kind of want to upgrade to the 136 ZJ alt. but I can't grind a bracket with the tools I have. Thanks for the reply. I'll probably go buy an alt

 

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?

 

Sounds good. I would change it in the Auto Zone parking lot so you have tools and parts available.

 

Volt meter was dropping randomly. Replaced the battery after getting everything checked at advanced auto, alt checked out clean. Next day volt meter drops again. So like an idiot I mildly ignore it, figure I'll take care of it after we finish traveling. Today, I get 75 miles down the road, the whole time with my gauge reading no volts. Then my wipers got slow, dash lights went out, and the jeep stalled. Paid out the *** for a tow, mechanic charged my battery said all looked fine. I tightened connections, and drove on. 35 minutes later volt meter drops, same ****. I pull off highway immediately and stop at a part store, make this thread.

Ended up buying a referb alt for $120 and replaced it in the parking lot. Everything seems good... Made it to camp.

 

If it still happens again replace the wire between the battery and alternator

 

Will do. Hopefully I don't have to do that. The wires are brand new, ordered from Kelley's Works In Progress... Installed them a couple months ago

 

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.

 

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

 

I'm glad you got back on the road.

However, rule #1: Never leave out on a trip with a known problem. It will bite you.

 

I thought rule number one was **** rolls down hill? Number two, keep your fingers out of your mouth...Oh wait never mind, that's plumbing.