Voltage regulator?

[Greshamjeeper]

Hi, my 97 TJ is having an electrical issue. I replaced the battery ( it was due anyway ). The colt meter doesn't stay at 14 like it should, sometimes drops to 12 or 9 or all the way to 0. The jeep is still running fine while this happens. I took it to Autozone for testing, the test said the voltage regulator was bad. The guy said its in the alternator, is this correct and should I just replace the alternator or is the regulator replaceable by itself? Thanks

 

[Utah_jeepster]

It's best to replace the alternator itself, most places don't sell rebuild kits for alternators.

Sent from my Android using Jeepz

 

[Greshamjeeper]

So the regulator is in the alternator?

 

[JPNinPA]

The regulator was a part of alternators long ago. In the TJ's they moved the regulator into the PCM. Big $$ to swap one out if that is what is bad.

What issue were you having that you changed the battery for.
If you didn't have this issue before and being you changed the battery I'd be looking at things like ground wire connections being clean and tight. Especially from the alternator to battery and battery to tub. Both power and ground both sides.

 

[Greshamjeeper]

The battery was overdue to be changed (60 month battery that I bought about 6 years ago ) the volt meter jumping around was happening before the new battery

 

[Greshamjeeper]

Any idea if flashing the PCM would do any good or not?

 

[superj]

no idea on that. have to wait for another tj guy

 

[56cj5]

I'd say just make sure your connections are solid and clean. Other than that of its a new battery and your alternator is working fine. Then is time to go computer shopping.... Sorry man..

 

[jfrabat]

Have not read all the posts, but did you check the volts with a voltmeter? The stock dial is crap. Mine drops about 2V if I turn on the AC, but if you measure with a digital voltmeter at the battery, it drops 0.01 if anything at all...