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joejet26404
User
Dec 22, 2013, 7:10 PM
Post #1 of 5
(2687 views)
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Alternator Over Charging
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I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota that has a 6 cylinder motor and has 75K miles. The problem I'm having is that my truck's alternator is over charging. I was driving the truck yesterday and a warning light came on that said "CHECK GAUGES". The charging system gauge was all the way to the right at 18 volts. Can someone tell me what the problem is. I'm thinking about simply changing the Alternator, but I'm not sure if that's what's causing the problem. I talked to a person at Auto Zone and they said that if I keep driving the truck, I can damage the battery.
If somebody has any idea what is causing this problem, your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Joe
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 22, 2013, 7:50 PM
Post #2 of 5
(2673 views)
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Re: Alternator Over Charging
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The voltage regulator is incorporated into the PCM on that vehicle and could be the cause of the problem. It could also be an issue with the related wiring too so it needs to be diagnosed properly.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 22, 2013, 8:01 PM
Post #3 of 5
(2668 views)
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Re: Alternator Over Charging
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As HT said.....You probably want to check this one out or get it checked out before you start throwing parts at it.....
1st you would want to make sure that it is fact overcharging......Dash gauges are informational only.....
Start with getting the battery tested to make sure it's good and then take a voltage reading at the battery and make sure there is a problem......The voltage regulator is part of the comp (isn't that such a great idea) and the whole computer would need to be replaced or repaired if it is a regulator problem....
I know on some of the older Chry's, there was an external voltage regulater kit you could install that would bypass the one in the comp saving have to change it out.....But I don't know.....With Chrys track record with problems with their PCMs in that era, might not be a bad idea to change the whole comp if it is a regulator problem...
(This post was edited by Sidom on Dec 22, 2013, 8:03 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 22, 2013, 11:05 PM
Post #4 of 5
(2654 views)
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Re: Alternator Over Charging
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As said get the real voltage. If for a split second you see even a credible 16V+ don't run it till fixed or blow things all over it. Bulbs, the least of the troubles. By 18V+ any thing could blow - monster bucks not just a battery at risk as well,
T
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joejet26404
User
Dec 22, 2013, 11:05 PM
Post #5 of 5
(2651 views)
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Re: Alternator Over Charging
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Thanks guys for the feedback. Looks like I'll be taking it in and have it checked out. If it is the PCM that needs to be replaced, hopefully its not to expensive.
Thanks again,
Joe
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