Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) alternator high voltage

[Shane Ross]

My '96 Dodge volt meter will peg on the high side & the GEN light will come on every so often & stay that way for anywhere from one to five minutes then go back to normal. The shop manual says thst the voltage regulator is in the PCU. The " check engine light" does not come on so there is no code to tell what's wrong. Can anyone tell me if the problem is in the alternator' the PCU or where?

Shane in Las Vegas.

 

[Missouri Mule]

The PCM houses the EVR (electronic voltage regulator?) I would check the battery temp sender first, it is located under driver's side battery tray.

The batter temp sensor sends tempature readings to the EVR also the ASD (automatic shut down) relay sends line voltage to the EVR. With this data the EVR determines alternator output.



The voltmeter diplays battery voltage or alternator(generator) output voltage which ever ones is greater.



Worst case is you will need new PCM.



Battery temp sensor ohms readings 75 to 80 degree F should read 9 to 11 ohms. Attach multi-meter leads to terminals (pins male/female) in connetor, key off, multi-meter set to ohms.



Or you can wire in remote voltage regulator.

 

[bmoeller]

Clean ALL of the battery connections and chassis/body/battery grounds. Especially the PCM ground.

 

[Shane Ross]

Thanks guys. I will check the battery terminals and grounds and the battery temp. sensor. At least I have a place to start.

Shane in Las Vegas

 

[JFaughn]

Have your batteries load tested , most likely a bad connection , or a bad cell in one of the batteries , also check the fluid level in the batteries , top off with distilled water , all of the above could cause this , the computer is not getting good battery voltage signal [ connections ] of there is a problem with the batteries .