How does an alternator charge in a Dodge Ram?
How does an alternator charge in a Dodge Ram?
Battery positive, a ground wire, and two additional wires either in a connector or as two ring connectors in your case. Of those two outlined in red, one runs to the PCM for charging voltage control, there is no real voltage regulation occurring in the alternator itself, it is controlled from the PCM.
What causes an alternator to over charge a battery?
Measure voltage across the battery with your DMM. You should get 0.5 to 2 volts higher than base voltage. If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.
Why is my Dodge Ram charging system not working?
It is possible that your new alternator is bad. Have had that happen to me. Also, make sure all wiring is good especially from the pcm to the alternator. There may be a way to test the pcm voltage regulator, that would be ideal, but it may require sophisticated testing equipment.
What should the voltage be on Dodge Ram?
Set it to read voltage. Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your Ram turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. You’ll then touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire.
Battery positive, a ground wire, and two additional wires either in a connector or as two ring connectors in your case. Of those two outlined in red, one runs to the PCM for charging voltage control, there is no real voltage regulation occurring in the alternator itself, it is controlled from the PCM.
Measure voltage across the battery with your DMM. You should get 0.5 to 2 volts higher than base voltage. If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.
It is possible that your new alternator is bad. Have had that happen to me. Also, make sure all wiring is good especially from the pcm to the alternator. There may be a way to test the pcm voltage regulator, that would be ideal, but it may require sophisticated testing equipment.
Set it to read voltage. Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your Ram turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. You’ll then touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire.
Where is the PCM located on a Dodge alternator?
This is where the PCM lives behind your air filter box, notice I removed mine for better access, TURN THE KEY OFF before disconnecting. The connector closest to the passenger side is the Grey C3 connector. The Connector in the middle is the White C2 connector. Reference the wiring diagram at the PCM.
Where is the C3 connector on a Dodge alternator?
The connector closest to the passenger side is the Grey C3 connector. The Connector in the middle is the White C2 connector. Reference the wiring diagram at the PCM. We are concerned with pin 25 in the Grey C3 connector as it is the opposite end of the dark blue wire at the alternator.
Why is my alternator charging at 15 volts?
The charging voltage is controlled by the PCM. It is likely not a coincidence that this happened right after removing it to access the intake. You should have not just a positive charging lead, but also a second two pin sense and excitation plug on the back of the alternator. Make sure this plug is in and secure.
What should the voltage be on a Dodge alternator?
Read the voltmeter again. This time a reading between 14.2 and 14.6 volts is the norm. If you see anything below 14.2, your Dodge’s alternator is not providing enough voltage to keep the battery fully charged. Listen to the Dodge’s alternator while the engine is running.
This is where the PCM lives behind your air filter box, notice I removed mine for better access, TURN THE KEY OFF before disconnecting. The connector closest to the passenger side is the Grey C3 connector. The Connector in the middle is the White C2 connector. Reference the wiring diagram at the PCM.
The connector closest to the passenger side is the Grey C3 connector. The Connector in the middle is the White C2 connector. Reference the wiring diagram at the PCM. We are concerned with pin 25 in the Grey C3 connector as it is the opposite end of the dark blue wire at the alternator.
What does 12 volts mean on Dodge battery?
A reading below 12 volts may indicate your Dodge’s battery is the culprit. Charge the battery and, without running the car in the meantime, test it again the next day. Another low reading would mean that your battery is bad or that you have a short circuit in the wiring.
