I own a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Country with the Class III trailer towing package. I purchased this vehicle new. During the past three years, I have observed a problem with the electrical system voltage.
When I start the engine after several hours of non-use, the gauge indicates 13 - 14 volts. During engine idle rpm, if I apply an electrical load such as the headlamps, the air-conditioning, the rear window defroster, or turn on the fan to high, the voltage drops by 1 or
2 volts. If I turn on multiple items, the voltage drops to the threshold value that causes the red GEN lamp to illuminate. Turning these items off, does not restore the voltage to 13 - 14 volts. I must turn off the engine, then restart it. Prior to three years ago, the electrical system would support a full electrical load at engine idle RPM.If I drive the vehicle after a cold start, and keep the engine speed above 1,500 RPM and then apply a full load to the electrical system, sometimes the voltage begins to drop, sometimes it does not. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, this problem occurs less frequently, but it still occurs from time to time.
This problem seems to occur regardless of outside air temperature, humidity, rain, snow, or other environmental conditions. A local automobile repair shop, with whom I've done business for fifteen years, was unable to determine the problem. Any ideas?
On an unrelated (hopefully) note, when the air conditioning is operating in the summer (and obviously the defrost in the winter), the vehicle produces a loud squealing noise when I turn the steering wheel. The noise would persist after relieving the hydraulic loud on the steering system, and would only cease after turning the air conditioning (or defroster) off for two seconds, then back on. During the last twelve months, the squealing noise always occurs immediately when I turn on the air conditioning (or defroster) regardless of steering load. If I keep the engine RPM low for about thirty seconds, the squealing noise ceases, even though the air conditioning compressor is still turning.
The Jeep dealership that sold this vehicle to me could not determine the source of this problem after three visits. A local reputable repair shop was also unable to determine the problem. Again, any ideas.
Thank you.