Alternator Recall - S68

[Newsa]

What I call "soft codes" are codes that don't register on my code reader. The code reader I have says the codes are "pending" and doesn't offer specific numbers. From what another tech told me, the Star Scan Tool can see these, and mine was a laundry list of communication bus failures and low or high voltage codes that had no rhyme or reason to them. Hopefully the codes will stop for now.

That makes sense. How did you know to hook up your scan tool if you didn't have a check engine light or other problem?

 

[firefighter_2000]

It did throw a CEL. Over the past few months I've had numerous CELs. Every single one was either a CAN BUS failure or the "soft code" that was pending. The service tech had told me to just erase the pending codes and if any other code came up to come in for a check.

 

[Newsa]

https://www.chrysler.com/universal/webselfservice/pdf/S68.pdf

A couple of days ago I was headed to work and could smell an electrical burning smell. As I pulled into the parking lot, I got a low battery voltage alarm on the display. Opened the hood & the alternator was extremely hot to touch. A couple of hours later I drove the truck to the Landers Dodge in Benton AR about 4 miles away. The truck died completely as I was nearing the lot and luckily I was able to coast into the lot. Left the truck and went back to work. Later in the day, my service advisor called saying that the alternator had indeed failed & took the batteries down with it. She told me that since the updated alternator was not yet available she would attempt to repair under warranty. Picked the truck up the next morning with two new batteries and a new alternator. My service advisor told me that I would still need to have the alternator recall work completed when parts become available.
Be sure & check to see if your truck needs this recall done. I had been throwing soft codes for some time, and according to the Tech the problem was likely early warning signs of the alternator failure.
Another word of advice. DON'T use your fingers to check the temperature of the alternator if you suspect failure.

Check your VIN here:
https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls.html

My truck is now showing a pending code that it says i need to look up in the Chrysler manual. I think it is a "soft" code like firefighter was referring to. Hope they get the parts for the alternator recall soon! If not, they will likely be replacing more than just the alternator.

 

[Flash1034]

Do the new trucks still come with the ****ty alternators?

flash

 

[Newsa]

Do the new trucks still come with the ****ty alternators?

flash

No, it was just the first month or two of build in (of model year) 2013.5

 

[EDankievitch]

Anyone here if or when they are getting "Known Good Parts" In? I'd really to get my truck fixed and reimbursed for the burned up Alt that I had to pay for.

 

[Newsa]

My RAM owner mobile app updates warranty info about once a month Dec 5th, Jan 5th, I expect an update on Feb 5th. The update is warranty update and "Recommended Service" update. Not talking about an update of the mobile app software. Will keep an eye on it, because I want to get the Alternator done ASAP. And might as well get the SCR done at the same time. Will post any updates that I see on this forum.