How far can i go with an alternator that is not putting out anything? It would have been nice if it would have died on a weekday but no it has to happen on saturday night. lol

 

My engine speed sensor took a dump on me elminating charging system, tach, and the ability to sustain overdrive. This all happened while I was on my way back from a lake towing my boat. The cool part was that I was 4 hours from home. I drove the **** thing all the way home with no issues (other than which was stated).

 

oh yea battery voltage is down to 12.06. forgot to mention that. Will running it with low voltage put added strain on the ip?

 

I rebuilt the alternator and there still isnt any voltage going to the batteries. After I rebuilt it I had it tested and it was working great. The voltage is regulated by the computer right? I have been told that it is probably the computer that is bad but I dont know and I need some more opinions.

I should also mention that the last time I changed the oil, I bumped the back of the alternator with the oil filter and shorted it out for about a tenth of a second. Could this have caused the computer to go out? Are there any fusible links between the alternator and the batteries or the starter or computer or anything that would cause it not to charge? I need help!!

 

check the main fuse in the fuse box under the hood...........I think its like 140 amps

 

Yup, You popped the 140a fuse in the under-hood Power distribution panel.
VERY common occurrence.

Dodge Technical Service Bulletin:
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/08-23-00.htm

 

Put a rubber plug in that sucker!!! The way the wire is exposed on the back of the alt. it is asking to get shorted. This was one of the first mods I did when I bought my truck.

I can remeber many posts when I first joined this forum regarding this problem. Found a rubber plug in my junk bin and it fit right in. Heck even a piece of rubber hose. Anything to cover that exposed termnal! Take a look at it and you will see how easy it is to protect it.

Dealer has the fuses for under $20. Most auto parts stores have one that is "similiar". Same amps, but terminal shape is a little different. They go for about $5. All it takes is to bend the terminals and your good to go.

The fuse is in the fuse center is the black box drivers side fender, under the hood.

 

Checked the fuse this morning before going to work and that was it. I worked at the Dodge dealer in town here and I still get a discount. The fuse was only $5 something. Thanks for the replies, and the advice for covering the terminal.

 

Now compiling a shopping list to PM to oestreich84...........

 

Gotta love 10% above cost at a dealer