pilebuck

1996 dodge 2500 4x4 diesel
Hey guys, just bought this truck and the only problem is that occasionally the volt meter in the dash pegs out at 18v, and it "normally" floats around 15. I bench tested the alternator (passed) and the guage is not malfunctioning( the headlights get bright when the guage pegs).
As I understand the pcm controls the voltage regulation in the diesels.
Has anyone else had this problem. Is it possible to just put in an alternator with an internal voltage regulator without any harmfull side effects?
thnks guys-J.

torquefan

I have heard of people wiring in a Dodge voltage regulator to control the existing alternator. It's an easy procedure, but if it was me, I'd diagnose it and repair the problem. Also, if you add the external regulator, you'd have the charge and check engine lights on all the time.

John Faughn

Get the batteries load tested , look for short , if the voltage is pegging then something is telling the regulator to max , a lot of people have moded the reg. but I've never seen the reg. in the computer go bad .
Not that they cann't go bad , just never seen it yet .