I am stumped!!!
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
I am stumped!!!
Went out to start the 2000 Grand Cherokee today, and much to my surprise, it started and ran very poorly. The engine is misfiring badly, the instrument cluster is showing lights for the abs and brake, the voltmeter isn't working, and the "check gages " light is on. The alternator is also putting out over 17 volts. I don't understand what happened. It was fine the last time it was driven, which was last week. I have tested both the battery and the alternator, and both are fine. So, what's up with this thing???
#2
Old fart with a wrench
Welcome to CF!
Believe this or don't, but the problem could just be a bad connection on the battery cables. Corrosion or a loose wire from the clamp to the PDC can cause low voltage and produce the symptoms you report.
Believe this or don't, but the problem could just be a bad connection on the battery cables. Corrosion or a loose wire from the clamp to the PDC can cause low voltage and produce the symptoms you report.
Last edited by dave1123; 10-10-2016 at 01:57 AM.
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Ocean County, NJ
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Went out to start the 2000 Grand Cherokee today, and much to my surprise, it started and ran very poorly. The engine is misfiring badly, the instrument cluster is showing lights for the abs and brake, the voltmeter isn't working, and the "check gages " light is on. The alternator is also putting out over 17 volts. I don't understand what happened. It was fine the last time it was driven, which was last week. I have tested both the battery and the alternator, and both are fine. So, what's up with this thing???
Take Dave's advice and check the battery cables. Check for chewed wires as well. Mice will cause havoc on wiring.
#5
Old fart with a wrench
The reason I stated what I did is because this exact thing happened to me. What it turned out to be was corrosion inside the molded battery cable end causing a low voltage supply to the entire system except the starter. There are 2 red wires coming off the battery cable clamp. One goes directly to the starter and the other goes to the PDC which supplies all the power for the rest of the jeep. This happened overnight and replacing the cable end solved the problem.
PS, if the PCM can't read the alternator output, it can't control the voltage OR the amperage.
PS, if the PCM can't read the alternator output, it can't control the voltage OR the amperage.
#6
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: v8
Yep, remove the terminals and clean well.
I had very similar symptoms, and it turned out to be a thin white film between the terminal and post that wasn't readily visible from the outside.
Cleaned it and it went back to working as it should.
I had very similar symptoms, and it turned out to be a thin white film between the terminal and post that wasn't readily visible from the outside.
Cleaned it and it went back to working as it should.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
arrowhead_40
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
3
09-24-2016 11:52 PM
Doug Propst
Aftermarket electrical systems
3
08-21-2016 12:38 AM
John Benfer
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
0
08-20-2016 10:34 AM
Mountain Mike
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
6
08-19-2016 05:48 AM
jerryramos
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
0
08-16-2016 05:28 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)