96 charging problems

EDDNIE · Nov 14, 2014

I POSTED THIS YESTERDAY ON 4TH GEN BY MISTAKE.

I own A 1996 dodge ram 1500 indy edition w/5.9. While driving all is fine. when you stop and truck is idling charging system drops off, gets worse with load on (lights, blower mtr, etc) at night gen light comes on. dealer says it is computer. I had computer tested & checked and it is fine, alt has been tested and checked and is ok. battery is new. Any help would be great :naughty:

Merc225hp · Nov 14, 2014

The voltage regulator is in the pcm. How was the pcm tested to make sure it is working right.

dodge dude94 · Nov 14, 2014

If the alternator has been tested properly, the PCM is the only other piece in the puzzle that could be bad.

EDDNIE · Nov 14, 2014

Pcm

The pcm was sent out to bba in mass. tested out perfect. alt was tested by denso in l.i.city in ny working perfect. dealer is also puzzled by this one

EDDNIE · Nov 14, 2014

96 charge problem

EDDNIE said:
The pcm was sent out to bba in mass. tested out perfect. alt was tested by denso in l.i.city in ny working perfect. dealer is also puzzled by this on. Any other ideas?

Merc225hp · Nov 14, 2014

Possible ASD problem, field wire problem. With the truck running using a DVM what are you seeing at the batt for voltage? Load it up with heater and lights then compare the two.

EDDNIE · Nov 15, 2014

96 charging problem

Took a photo of part connected to back of alt. #,s on it are,
56004016
ym4-9806

part has large black ground wire and smaller blue & green wires. I dont know what it does but has 4 coonections to back of alt.

Merc225hp · Nov 15, 2014

There are 2 wires (in your case blue and green) for the "Generator Field Driver" and "Generator Field Source", these 2 wires will go to the pigtail/plug that connects to the back of the alternator. Second is the large black wire which is simply a ground strap. Lastly is the red power feed from the alternator to the PDC, starter and battery. Check the 2 wires (blue and green) for continuity.

Do you have the 96 FSM? Starting on page 373 or section 8C will walk you through all the test you could need to help find your issue.

http://www.ramforum.com/f77/2nd_gen_service_manual-986/

EDDNIE · Nov 15, 2014

Charging issue

I dont have A service man. found a conversion kit to A external reg bypassing pcm but I would rather fix problem rather than mask it. any link you can provide for testing would help. Thanks

ADudeOnSkis · Nov 15, 2014

Mercs last post has a link to the service manual

Merc225hp · Nov 15, 2014

I keep forgetting that RF only has the 2001 fsm you can download, you need the 96 fsm as its much better. I know you can download it from other forums like DF. I have it but have no way of getting it to you.

I would never do the external voltage reg like you have seen. There is this opt you could look at, hope I don't get in **** for linking you to another forum but it might help you and you get to upgrade at the same time. I have this in my book to get done and the new 160 alt came in yesterday.

Write-Up; Durango 160amp alternator swap - JeepForum.com

EDDNIE · Nov 15, 2014

Charge problem

Got it, thanks. and also the green & blue wires when conected to alt do have continuity acrross

EDDNIE · Nov 17, 2014

Any new ideas out there ? Still have same problem

rowdyram · Nov 17, 2014

I have seen crazy things happen when the battery temp sensor fails. Usually goes open circuit then the PCM thinks the battery is hot and will not field the alt.

rowdyram · Nov 17, 2014

Pull your battery out. If your truck is equipt it will be a spring loaded button in the bottom of the tray. They often will fall out when the battery is removed

rowdyram · Nov 17, 2014

I can't remember if they where even doing that in 96 but worth a look

Merc225hp · Nov 18, 2014

Yes 96 has one.

(1) The sensor is located under the battery and is attached (snapped into) the battery tray (Fig. 1). A two-wire pigtail harness is attached directly to the sensor. The opposite end of this harness connects the sensor to the engine wiring harness.

(2) Disconnect the two-wire pigtail harness from the engine harness.

(3) Attach ohmmeter leads to the wire terminals of the pigtail harness.

(4) At room temperature of 25° C (75-80° F), an ohmmeter reading of 9 to 11K ohms should be observed.

(5) If reading is above or below the specification, replace the sensor.

(6) Refer to the Removal and Installation section for procedures.

EDDNIE · Nov 19, 2014

Charge problem

THANKS, I WILL CHECK THIS OUT O FRIDAY WHEN I GET BACK HOME. THANKS ALL FOR THE HELP AND WILL POST TO LET YOU KNOW HOW I MADE OUT :roflsquared:

EDDNIE · Nov 20, 2014

Charging issue

Thanks Merc225hp, I got home A day early and got right to it. removed switch under batt and took inside (31 deg here this morning) let it warm up to room temp. Tested and got 14.1 ohms, called dealer and part will be in fri a.m. After install I will let all you great people know how made out. Thank you to all for your input :favorites13:

Merc225hp · Nov 20, 2014

Lets hope thats what it is. Man nice truck!!! Make sure you enter it in the TOTM contest.

96 charging problems

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