Help!!! No charging

[Big Don]

Guys,



Need help fast... ... I was just changing my oil for the first time. I bought the truck used and someone had put a fram filter on it and man was it TIGHT!!!! I tried the filter wrench and it only collapsed the filter, so I tried channel locks and they slipped some and hit the back of the alternator causing it to arc. I finished the oil change and now I have no charging (gage shows discharge) and my fog lights do not work. I have the fog lights sold thru mopar that are exactly like the factory ones, but they hook on one side of the 140 amp alternator fuse (maybe it is not a fuse, but whatever it is is dead). Local autoparts does not have this item. I assume this is the only damage I have done, but not sure. Truck runs fine, but I am not sure how far I can drive without this little item. DO you think I have damaged the alternator or voltage regulator?? I remeber a posting here on someon doing the same thing and maybe getting burned when their braclet hit the stud causing it to arc.



thanks

Don Peters

 

[turboramin]

The Altenator Fuse is what you Blew. It is 140 AMP and the only place to get it is the dealer. I paid $6. 49 here because I went the Oil change place and they did the same thing to mine. The fuse box is mounted on the driver side inner fender in front of the master cylinder. Take the Black Fuse cover off and the fuse is located where the Big positive batery cable comes in. My was held in by 2 Philips screws. Replace it and your back in business.



Good Luck Don!



John Ruud

 

[B9Mile]

The "Fix"

You can pick up one of these protective covers for that alternator terminal, too. I also keep an extra fuse the the Survival Box.



http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/2000/08-23-00.htm

 

[Big Don]

Can I drive the truck without this fuse installed and if so , how long do you think I can drive her before the batteries go dead???



thanks

Don Peters

 

[Deadbus]

I had something similar. Had 2 different "stealer" try to change the oil. Both of the broke the terminal off behind the alternater. I had no idea until I was driving around and the battery guage showed zero. The second time it happened the wire came off and shorted to the alternator and used battery current to fry it.



Deadbus