JerseyJeep'n

Just installed new lights on the front bumper. drove around for a while with them on not a problem. than out of no where the check gauges light came on and the battery gauge dropped. i checked connections and the wiring all was how it should. also smelt like something was rubbing couldnt find a thing wrong. thought it would be the alternator but after letting it sit a while the battery gauge came back to where it should be than dropped again after 30 min. of idling. any suggestions

duffman5001

did you put a fuse on the lights?

JerseyJeep'n

yeah i ran a fuse with it

JerseyJeep'n

really need to fix this. daily driver please help

Slick761

Im losing it

freegdr

does it do this with the lights off also,remove the fuse see if problem remains

xj^REMY

did u disconnect the battery when u installed the lights?... check connections, could be loose one somewhere, whether on the battery, or u wiggled suttin loose

if all tight & clean, then check for shorts

EDIT: just read "i checked connecctions & wiring...", dont kno if u meant just the fogs' wires, or battery mains.....

Gee oh Dee

It could be the alt failing from new increased load.

xj101

^^^ x2

xj^REMY

right, but dont rip out your alternator just yet, until all other possibilities are checked/covered....could be just as simple as loose connection

also, could be the voltage regulator, in which case he'd need a new ECM......

I had somewhat similar issue... installed 136A alternator, had it tested & passed (at a dedicated alternator/starter shop), installed & starting having intermittent high voltage, research & forum feedback pointed to most likely the voltage regulator, so i found an ECM & was about to get it programmed when i thought to get the alternator tested one more time.... it was the field coil terminals grounding out on the alternator.... $10 for first test, free for new field coil terminals.....problem solved, wasnt the voltage reg

xj^REMY

haha, loosing what? ur mind?

i thought that was good advice, i think....there was a lot there

Slick761

I'm just having serious mental block and rambling issues at the moment..... I should have explained. The reason for testing the amp load lights off and lights on is so you can subtract the initial load and find out exactly what the lights are pulling. It will give you exact numbers so you know if you're over loading the alt. After you get the number for the lights you can test with your key on jeep off and some accessories you use regulars like the blower motor on this will give oh an approximate of what everything else is pulling. Add these together and you will get an approximate total draw. You need a high quality mm though. If your draw exceeds your alt output you're overloading it.

xj^REMY

yea buddy

i knew what u were gettin at....great adivce

JerseyJeep'n

thanks for the advise guys. got it workin with no problems at all now

duffman5001

so what was it?