Soooo I need a new alternator...

infernicus · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:31 pm

So I need a new Alternator..
I currently have the 136 Amp from the Factory.
The 136A and 160A are the same price to replace.

Soooo, my question is this, Is it true that if I install the 160A, it will make no difference because the computer thinks there is a 136A installed?

I have a lot of lights so I wouldn't mind the extra power. And since they're the same price and a direct bolt on, I might as well upgrade, correct?

Thanks in advance my people.

(Oh, and if anyone else has a 2007, check, check and triple check the electrical connection on your alternator, Jeep decided to switch over halfway through the model year. I sourced a new(read: the correct) connector from a Durango, instead of paying extra for a 2008+ alternator)

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:20 pm

I think you can upgrade. There was another '07 KJ forum member who went with the Mean Green IIRC. He installed the RL roof rack with lights and wanted the extra power. I would also go with a Sears P1 battery.

I am surprised that you already need a new alternator.

Billwill · **Posted:** Thu Jul 12, 2012 5:27 am

infernicus wrote:

So I need a new Alternator..
I currently have the 136 Amp from the Factory.
The 136A and 160A are the same price to replace.

Soooo, my question is this, Is it true that if I install the 160A, it will make no difference because the computer thinks there is a 136A installed?

I have a lot of lights so I wouldn't mind the extra power. And since they're the same price and a direct bolt on, I might as well upgrade, correct?

Thanks in advance my people.

(Oh, and if anyone else has a 2007, check, check and triple check the electrical connection on your alternator, Jeep decided to switch over halfway through the model year. I sourced a new(read: the correct) connector from a Durango, instead of paying extra for a 2008+ alternator)

Should not be a problem fitting a larger alternator.
On the models from 2006 upwards the alternator has a built in regulator....the PCM only sends a "wake up" signal to the alternator once the revs go above 2,000 RPM I believe so the PCM does not concern itself with the current drawn.

On the earlier KJs the PCM/ ECM does the regulation for the alternator but there the PCM/ECM only monitors battery voltage.....not current.... so likewise it should take a larger alternator easily.

fratichelli · **Posted:** Thu Jul 12, 2012 9:37 am

The computer doesn't see amperage, it only sees volts. The amperage is determined by the draw and the regulator. If there aren't enough amps, because of heavy draw, then you will eventually get less volts. However if your regulator is working correctly, the voltage should always stay the same, having a higher amperage capacity will make it easier for the regulator to keep the volts up.

CoopaTroopa · **Posted:** Wed Jul 18, 2012 5:54 pm

I say go with a Mean Green! If you're going to upgrade then go all out!

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:01 pm

Would there be an issue of fit?

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:13 pm

jkbkwarner wrote:

Would there be an issue of fit?

Yes, there could be. 07 was a crossover year and therefore a few things are different about the alternator but I can't remember what those changes were.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Wed Jul 18, 2012 6:23 pm

You need to call Green Machine and ask. I believe that forum member “WoodysKJ” had a 2007 KJ but couldn’t use the Green Machine on his KJ due to the fact that the generator plug had changed model year 2007. But that was a few years ago, so Green Machine may have updated their 200 amp alternator to accommodate the newer alternator. Although, I believe that Chrysler is not calling the 2007 an Alternator, they are now called a “Generator.”

infernicus · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:48 am

Soooo, here we are eleven days later and was finally able to get everything I needed and swap everything out.

I'll update later with every piece of detail through this [annoying] journey, but a quick question.

I've installed the 160A alternator (Generator) and my battery light is on.
What could be the cause of this? Any idea?

Thanks peeps.

jkbkwarner · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:54 pm

infernicus wrote:

Soooo, here we are eleven days later and was finally able to get everything I needed and swap everything out.

I'll update later with every piece of detail through this [annoying] journey, but a quick question.

I've installed the 160A alternator (Generator) and my battery light is on.
What could be the cause of this? Any idea?

Thanks peeps.

pinout order is different than the 136A :juggle:

?

infernicus · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 1:18 pm

From the research I have done, Field 1 and Field 2 are interchangeable.
With that being said I have tried both ways just for fun.

Still trying everything.
Battery is fully charged.
Brand new alternator tested and is good.
Belt/tensioner are in good condition.

Womp.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:39 pm

I don't why you'd even bother with trying a higher output alternator.The OEM 136 amp actually is more like 96 amps and the OEM 160 amp alternator is a whopping 112amps.Not really worth the headache for 16 extra amps.

I still use the OEM 136amp alternator and never needed any more then what it puts out and I have 30 AUX lights,bigger stereo,and a winch and never had one issue with my Odessey PC1500 installed.The key is to have a better storage device(IE battery) and short trips will prevent any alternator regardless of amps from charging the battery.

infernicus · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:45 pm

Sounds good to me.
I will try the 136A and see what happens.

dieselenthusiast · **Posted:** Tue Jul 24, 2012 2:58 pm

tjkj2002 wrote:

I still use the OEM 136amp alternator and never needed any more then what it puts out and I have 30 AUX lights,bigger stereo,and a winch and never had one issue with my Odessey PC1500 installed.The key is to have a better storage device(IE battery) and short trips will prevent any alternator regardless of amps from charging the battery.

That's good to know!

Soooo I need a new alternator...

Who is online