alternator problems

jprubicon03 · 06-14-2009, 04:58 PM

hey i have a problem with my Rubicon it an 03', 4.0L. ya so it all started about two weeks ago when i got back from Iraq and i was home on leave. my jeep started doing these things like when im driving and i hit a bump in the road it almost feels like it drops out of gear or it goes into neutral or somthing. all of my guages start flicking like crazy, the power to everything shuts off!! so when this happens i slow down and pull of to the side of the road and let it idol usually it goes back to normal. now i was heading back to Camp Lejeune i was on 95 south and i was watching my quages and i saw that my battery level starting to go down slowy. i was like what the %$@#!!!
then it all happened at ounce, she died. i the jump started it turned on just enough to get her off the highway then she died again. so ya i think it's my alternator maybe there is somthing wrong with the connectors?! i really dont know maybe someone can help with some advise.

thanks,

SEMPER FI

bjones71087 · 06-14-2009, 05:17 PM

i would check the crank position sensor. that doesnt sound like an alternator problem. shouldnt instantly die. when my alternator went out i got about 2 days off of battery alone (died on a saturday night).

**Knuckelhead** · 06-14-2009, 05:42 PM

Check the battery connections. Remove the cable clamps, clean and grease them...

**Stu Olson** · 06-14-2009, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjones71087

i would check the crank position sensor. that doesnt sound like an alternator problem. shouldnt instantly die. when my alternator went out i got about 2 days off of battery alone (died on a saturday night).

Please explain how the crankshaft position sensor, which is the foundation for the ignition system, causes the voltage gauge to drop or all of the gauges to start flickering, as stated by the OP?

**Skyryder** · 06-15-2009, 05:02 AM

From your description it sounds like you may have an intermittent short. One feed wire might be grounding when hitting bumps etc. Not a direct solid short, just enough to cause the alt to over work and loose juice. Check all your supply voltage lines too, if one of these are loose it also may cause your described symptoms. I would start with the wires that feed your power distribution box (with all the relays etc.)

PS.
C 1/10 about 1970