Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Shorted Generator

[arlan]

Hey Guys,



I accidentally shorted out the main output on my generator. I have done several serached and have eleminated it being a fuse. I have checked the voltage at the the generator and it reads only battery voltage. I was hoping for a fuse but it doesn't look like that is the problem. So before I order a new generator I wanted to make sure it was not something else.



What happened was I had my airhorn pump repaired and they stripped out the screws that held the pump to the mounting bracket. The pump came in contact with generator output. At least I am pretty sure it did! I fixed the compressor mount and when I went to start my truck four days later the batteries werer dead as could be. When I started the truck after charging I have no voltmeter, fuel gauge, temperature or oil pressure gauges. The odometer is flashing and I have a security lamp on.



I would assume it is time to order a new generator?????



Thanks

Arlan

 

[FourBarR]

When you say you checked the fuses,did you also check the fuseable links. they are located in pdc just behind the left hand battery.

 

[arlan]

When you say you checked the fuses,did you also check the fuseable links. they are located in pdc just behind the left hand battery.

Hey FourBarR,



Let's see if we are on the same page. The only fuseable links if see in that area are coming from the underhood fuse box to a connector block on the inner wheel well. I think they only go to the grid heater. I have continuity there.



I am kind of up againt a wall here. I would replace the generator in a heart beat. What has me questioning the whole thing is the fact that my gauges aren't working and the flashing odometer. The check engine light did not come on. I went into our crappy little town in search of an OBD scan tool. No such luck.



Arlan

 

[B.G. Smith]

The fuse to the alternator is in the PDC, there is a #6 red wire that comes from the alternator and it terminates at one end of the fuse where it enters the PDC. I think it is 120 amp on your truck and it is a bare metal fuse with bolt holes in either end. Tha fuse should not affect the gauge I don't think. Have you checked the fuses at the left end of the dash panel? bg

 

[arlan]

B. G.



I checked the fuse on the #6 wire in the PDC. It is a 140 amp fuse and it is good. I also checked all the fuses at the left end of the dash panel they are all good. I hate like hell to take the truck to the service department as I am always able to fix what is wrong with it. As long as I can figure out what the problem is.



Arlan

 

[B.G. Smith]

Are you checking the fuses with a meter or just visually? Could the big fuse be bad under the screws that hold it in? bg

 

[arlan]

Are you checking the fuses with a meter or just visually? Could the big fuse be bad under the screws that hold it in? bg

I'm checking using visual and with a different two meters. I have used an ohm meter for continuity and my Power Probe III to read voltage. I have ten fuses that I have only checked visually. I will check them for continuity in the morning. I am pretty sure they are good though. Although, I hope I am wrong. I have both continuity and voltage on both sides of each of the readable fuses.



Should the generator be putting out voltage above battery voltage even if something above it is blown????



I need someone to tell me it's the generator so I can order a new one and get this thing fixed. :{ LOL The generator has no output.



I would not be as concerned if I would not have promised service of myself and my truck on the 10th of this month. I need to get her fixed by Wednesday or so.



I hope to decide weather or not to order the generator or other part, by Monday.



I am hoping for more replies????????





Thanks

Arlan

 

[Thomas]

Did this happen with the engine running or off? TSB 08-23-00 (http://dodgeram. info/tsb/2000/08-23-00.htm) addresses shorting the B+ terminal of the generator to the generator case and blowing the 140 amp generator fuse in the Power Distribution Center. After a quick look at the wiring diagram it looks to me as though it would be pretty hard to harm the generator by shorting the B+ terminal to ground with the generator not turning.

 

[arlan]

Thomas,



The truck was not running when it happened. I can't figure this out. I guess I will be forced to take it to Dodge. If I knew that the generator not working would cause the gauges not to work I would just put a new generator on. So far no one has told me that.



Arlan

 

[B.G. Smith]

The generator should be putting out more than battery voltage if the fuse was blown. Look at the two small wires that are attached above the big terminal, they are from the PCM and control the alternator output, one of them should show voltage with the truck running, the other one might show voltage also but would be lower. I looked at the wiring diagrams again and I can see no connection between the generator and the gauges. bg

 

[arlan]

Well I am making no progress on this. I had promised I would haul a friends trailer across town. When I started over to pick it up if found that in addition to the other things that were not working. I have no first gear no fourth gear or OD indicatior light. I also have no A/C. It blows air but it is not cold.



It is looking more and more like I will be forced to take it to the dealer.



Thanks guys

Arlan

 

[WestTN]

You can take the alternator off and take it to the store with you. They can check it in just a couple minutes. But, with the gauges not working, I'm thinking ECM or PCM problems. Maybe even the CCD buss.

 

[arlan]

Yeah Dennis,



I am thinking it is the ECM. I'll just have to bite the bullett and take it to the dealer.



Arlan