Odd running engine/electrical

mtbdemon · **Joined:** Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:15 pm **Posts:** 179

Since I had such good luck with my previous problem, I thought I would ask you gentleman (Said loosely)

First off, from time to time, when taking off from a stop, my red voltage light will come one along with the engine light. When I get to my destination and stop, restart the engine the red light is off, but the check engine line remains for a few more shut downs then it too goes away
When this light comes on, and if I am at idle at a stop, the engine will run rough AND the temp gauge will move to hot then back, then move again. However, the engine runs fine if in neutral OR if I am off idle driving at normal speeds. However on a pull going up a hill, it will shudder a little, but nothing terrible, I can just feel it
It is not throwing any codes that I have seen, but will check again-On the electrical, I wonder if I have a bad alternator?

Any guesses or what more info can I give?

Thanks

Ken

Billybob · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 4:09 am

Could be the Alternator Pulley starting to pack up....supposed to turn in one direction only.
You can take off the Serpentine belt to check if the belt and pulleys are OK and check the alternator pulley only engages in one direction and runs freely in the other direction.
The new pulley assemblies from Mopar I believe are grease-filled now and there are posts here on how to replace the pulley. Litens and OAD pulleys are also available.
Or the alternator itself may be packing up...worn brushes or failing bearings.

First thing is to check all the battery connections are clean and tight, negative battery lead going to chassis is clean and tight both ends and the Engine Grounding Strap going to chassis is clean and tight both ends. Check that the thick lead going from alternator to the positive battery terminal is on firmly and clean both ends...disconnect negative battery lead first before working on this thick lead or your wrench could short to chassis and blow the "Fusable Link" built into this thick lead.

You can monitor the charging voltage from inside the cabin while driving by plugging a Multimeter into the front Power Outlet.

Also the 2006 CRD has the known issue of the Fuel Filter Head Mounting Bracket damaging the wire harness going behind it...remove the bracket and check the wire harness for damage.

You can have the alternator tested and the battery tested under load.

My first thought is the Alternator Pulley is packing up! :wink:

mtbdemon · **Joined:** Fri Aug 24, 2012 5:15 pm **Posts:** 179

Thank you sooo much for the help

The pulleys are new, well about 2 years old. New battery as well. (One month) Good idea on checking the connections. My hunch is the alternator as its not the highest quality. I do run a GPS that plugs into the 12v socket and I don't see a drop in voltage on that, but uncertain how accurate that is.

I will find myself a volt meter that plugs into the 12volt socket as they must be cheap. Thanks for the help!

Ken

TKB4 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2020 2:57 pm

I had a problem with the temp guage doing that and it was short in the wire going to the temp sensor near the thermostat also when looking found a bare area of wire going to the Mercedes sensor on the air filter lid.
Certainly could be any number of things of this nature . If it turns out to be the alternator they sell a lifetime one at advance auto that is decent quality 2 of mine have had them for about 3 years with no difficulties. Some of the new alternators have a better decoupler pulley on them also. You can definitely change just the decoupler pulley if thats the problem. There are threads about not having to have a special tool and I believe the pulleys are about $30 or less for decent ones.

Odd running engine/electrical

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