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91 Cherokee possible alternator
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alroosa
New User
Jan 31, 2009, 5:03 PM
Post #1 of 4
(1395 views)
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91 Cherokee possible alternator
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Hello,
I have a 91 Jeep Cherokee 4WD 6CL with 160,000 miles on it. I recently(2 months ago) purchased a new battery after my other one died. The jeep was running fine up until last week when I noticed the battery power on the dash was a little low, around 9V(usually around 12). I suspected my alternator was going out but I had no other choice than to drive the vehicle. I drove it for about 2 days with the battery still showing around 9V, no problem starting the vehicle even in below freezing conditions. When I turned on the lights the digital clock would dim. The way home the first day(5 mile ride) about 1/2 way through my trip i stopped at a light and the battery gauge slowly moved back to its normal position on 12V and remained that way the rest of the way home. On my way home the 2nd day, the battery kept going lower, the Speedometer was the first to shut off, followed by the Tachometer, the radio and finally the engine shut off. I was able to get the rest of the way home(3 city blocks) with a jump. Now the jeep will not start. I tested the battery with an ohm meter and its reading 10V. I am going to put the battery on a changer and cross my fingers that I didn't kill it. I am no mechanic but I assume the alternator is dead...is this a good assumption? What other steps should I take to verify this? Or am I totally off?
Thanks for your help i advance!
Adam
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 31, 2009, 5:15 PM
Post #2 of 4
(1394 views)
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Re: 91 Cherokee possible alternator
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Adam; Sure sounds like the alternator. The alternator should be putting out 13.6 to 14.6V. You'll want to take the voltage reading after the battery is fully charged. 12V or 13V won't cut it.
Loren
SW Washington
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alroosa
New User
Jan 31, 2009, 5:27 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1392 views)
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Re: 91 Cherokee possible alternator
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Loren,
Thanks for your quick response! I think I am a bit confused. Is the volt gauge on the dash the alternator or battery voltage?? Also how do I test the alternator output? I have a new alternator and I plan to put it in tomorrow, I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks,
Adam
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 31, 2009, 5:34 PM
Post #4 of 4
(1388 views)
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Re: 91 Cherokee possible alternator
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The "voltmeter" you see on dash is just that - volts. They still need to read as Loren said when it's running which also indicates alternator is supplying juice. You can have the alternator checked and it probably is the cause of the issue.
Not so sure your dash gauge is correct either. They have silly $10 voltmeters you can even plug in a cig lighter/pwr port and get accurate voltage readings. It really shouldn't have run very long when you saw 9v for a while!!
Keep battery charged and have it charged when new alternator if you do that is put in. They rely on each other and one can kill the other - --- sounds like a bad relationship but it's true. Also - the more a battery runs down to low the faster it will fail and know that if cold where you are that dead batteries can freeze and be done with in one shot,
T
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