[breakthru]

Any ideas before I replace the alternator... is there any way to test the alternator to see if it's recharging the battery?... could it be anything else. The battery is not holding a charge or should I say losing juice and not recharging. Thanks.

C

[badady1]

Had the smae thing happen to me. I replaced the battery, cables, starter selonoid, starter. The jeep would run fine for about three or four days then lose power to lights and eventually lose power to the motor. Replaced the alternator and wverything was golden. The motor uses electrictity from the battery if the alternator is not working and drains it.

[thantos858]

Take it to the local auto parts store and have them test it. You can do that with a lot of electrical parts.

[EagleStorm]

ck your voltage at the batt should be about 12 to 13 volts not running then ck it running should be about 14.5
if it the same as not running your not charging or when the jeep is running undo the neg cable if it dies it's not charging If it not charging you can have it tested at you parts store make sure you have batt voltage at the big lug on the back of the alt

[JeepHammer]

Originally Posted by breakthru

Any ideas before I replace the alternator... is there any way to test the alternator to see if it's recharging the battery?... could it be anything else. The battery is not holding a charge or should I say losing juice and not recharging. Thanks.

C

Not much info to work with...
Too bad you couldn't tell us what year the vehicle is, and what alternator you are running...
----------------------

LOOK AT THE VOLT GAUGE OR AMP GAUGE.
IF you don't have either, Look at the 'Amp' Light in the cluster...

Above 13 volts,
OR,
The Amp gauge to the '+' side,
OR,
The 'Idiot' light not on, the alternator is working.

Below 13 volts,
OR,
The Amp gauge pointing to the '-' side,
OR,
The 'Idiot' light 'ON', I'd start with the alternator...

[breakthru]

Originally Posted by JeepHammer

Not much info to work with...
Too bad you couldn't tell us what year the vehicle is, and what alternator you are running...
----------------------

LOOK AT THE VOLT GAUGE OR AMP GAUGE.
IF you don't have either, Look at the 'Amp' Light in the cluster...

Above 13 volts,
OR,
The Amp gauge to the '+' side,
OR,
The 'Idiot' light not on, the alternator is working.

Below 13 volts,
OR,
The Amp gauge pointing to the '-' side,
OR,
The 'Idiot' light 'ON', I'd start with the alternator...

1985 CJ7, 258, new alt, new everything but the body and gauge panel...I've only got an oil pressure and water temp gauge.

[breakthru]

Any recommendations on a good alt.? I run an electric fan too... not sure if it makes a difference, but the fan runs for a few minutes after the jeep is shut off..

C

[4jeepers]

Originally Posted by breakthru

Any ideas before I replace the alternator... is there any way to test the alternator to see if it's recharging the battery?... could it be anything else. The battery is not holding a charge or should I say losing juice and not recharging. Thanks.

C

With ignition off, check with volt meter at batt. and at alt for current draw also any wires leading off batt. for installed additions as trailer hitch or wired lights etc.

[CJ Chet]

A shorted diode in your alternator will produce these symptoms, ie: drain the battery to ground.