This is a reference for folks with future problems.

back when Daylight savings began - I started noticing my headlights on the way to work - and they were pulsing, fairly fast about 1/second.
so I plugged in the Scangauge - and started seeing the voltage bouncing around - spiking up to 15+ on a random basis.

now on an old style system - that's a voltage regulator - however on the Jeep I wasn't sure (and the FSM says the regulator is the Computer - but GDE has mentioned that it's really in the alternator)

Geordi has mentioned the lifetime warranty on AutoZones alternator - so I took it over there -and their computer say... nothing's wrong.
so I took it over to Advance Auto (they have the same warranty - cost a little more - but will price match) and their computer said - everything's fine - except for these voltage spikes - and they weren't sure what causes that.

now the voltage had been drifting up so I was now getting 16v spikes, I still have a few miles left on the extended warranty so I took it over to Jeep - had to leave it for a couple of days (AutoZone and Advance took about 10-15 minutes each)

and Jeep said - yes it's the alternator - they had to special order it.
so for the $100 deductible I got to test drive first a new Ram and then a Dakota (it was a lot more fun than the Ram) for a couple of days.

voltage is fine now.

one point about AutoZone/Advance - even though they have the lifetime warranty It's not clear to me that they would replace it - if their computer doesn't say it has a problem - so on a future alternator issue - I'd probably be looking at Advance 1st.

_________________
2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

In a KJ,regardless of engine,the only way to test the alternator is via the DRBII('02-'05) or StarScan('06-'07).Sure you can get the voltage reading with a $5 voltmeter but you need the OE scanner to effect the voltage regulator inside the PCM to test it's function.

I have never replaced a bad alternator in a newer Chrysler,has always been a PCM issue or that stupid clutch they like to use.

I believe you are right that they would not replace the alternator if they tested it and said nothing is wrong. Would you have to wait a little longer for it to go really bad before their machines would test it as bad?

On the lifetime warranty...my dad has an '83 Bonneville and I believe he is on alternator number 4. He has had the car for about 14 years.

_________________
Pastafari Alum