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XJ Charging issue

'94 Cherokee, 4.0 doesn't always charge like/when it should. Maybe one third of the time it will start charging immediately when I start it up, just like it should. But most of the time I have to drive it for a few (2-5) miles before the needle comes up. I have discovered that I can force it to start charging by revving the engine pretty high... I don't like to do that but have needed to a couple of times as the battery was getting low and things were starting not to work right (after twenty miles or so with lights on). After the charging process is initiated I have no further problems until the next starting. It seems the regulator must be sticking or something similar but I do not know where to start. Thanks

Matt

Reply to
M Warren
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Sounds like a connection problem. I would pull and clean the leads at the alternator, then move up and clean the heavy power lead from the alternator to the battery where it connects. One possibility is that the fuse wire in that lead from the alternator to the battery is bad - I see them corrode at the crimp and become intermittent. In fact, I just replaced the flakey one on my '88 Comanche for a problem similar to yours.

Reply to
Will Honea

I am also thinking connection or maybe brushes. You can eliminate brushes by tapping on the alternator with a rubber mallet or a chunk of

2x4 next time to see if that fixes it. If it does, you will need a replacement or rebuild. I have a rebuild kit for mine made by 'Victory Lap' that has new brushes, etc.

There is a main body ground that could need attention. On my old 4.0 it was a mesh strap from the engine head to the firewall.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail > '94 Cherokee, 4.0 doesn't always charge like/when it should. Maybe one
Reply to
Mike Romain

Start with the easiest, check the belt.

Reply to
XS11E

Good point. I check them with a cold off engine and see if I can hand slip the pulley, if I can, the belt is loose or polished up.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 'New' frame in the works for '08. Some Canadian Bush Trip and Build Photos:
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Reply to
Mike Romain

Reply to
L.W.(ßill)Hughes III

Every time one of my Jeeps does this it indicates it's time for a new set of brushes. If you keep running it too long using the "rev it up" method, you'll need a stator, too. Usually every couple of years I do at least one of the three Jeep's I'm responsible for maintaining.

-- Old Crow "Yol Bolson!" '82 FLTC-P "Miss Pearl" '95 YJ Rio Grande BS#133, SENS, TOMKAT, MAMBM

Reply to
Old Crow

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