What is the GEN warning lamp for?
10-27-2009, 05:53 AM
#1
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Year: '97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L High Output
What is the GEN warning lamp for?
The GEN lamp has come on on my instrument cluster. Im worried!
Anyone know what this is warning me about? Thanks!
Anyone know what this is warning me about? Thanks!
10-27-2009, 08:05 AM
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Year: 1997
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The generator on lamp indicates a fault in the alternator charging system. If not fixed your battery will run down and not be able to crank the engine over.
Take a voltmeter and with the engine off check the battery voltage. It should be around 12 volts maybe lower if it has spent some of its energy. Now, start the engine and with the engine running, check the battery voltage again. It should read 13 -15 volts. That means you have a charging current. If it still reads battery voltage as in the first check, you have a fault in the charging circuit.
You can check the alternator itself. Be very careful with a running engine. Attach the voltmeter red lead to the alternator feed wire. It is the thick wire coming out the back of the alternator. Connect the black lead to an engine ground. You should read 13-15 volts if the alternator is working.
If not working, you have an alternator problem or voltage regulator problem (in PCM) or maybe a wiring problem. You can have an auto shop test the alternator. Autozone can do it.
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