bustjesus Posted July 12 Report Share Posted July 12 Hello, I've got a 2016 Dodge Journey with a 2.4L with only 95k miles. As of currently I have a battery light on when I turn the car on and its in a power saving mode. I've already replaced both the alternator and battery with no luck on improvements. I found in a forum to test the wires on the connector and if none of them are at 12v that the pcm could be faulty. I tested the voltage on the red/violet wire which showed about .02V does anyone know how I can further diagnose this issue or what that red/violet wire goes to? I will link the forum below. Thank you. https://www.justanswer.com/dodge/f1fn4-2018-dodge-journey-alternator-not-charging-battery.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 12 Report Share Posted July 12 You need to go over the basics of electrical troubleshooting. Do you have a multimeter to read DC voltage? Here are basics you must do. Please read carefully. https://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/topic/18210-electrical-system-fyi-battery/ Dean larryl 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bustjesus Posted July 13 Author Report Share Posted July 13 I’ve done all of these already alternator and battery are in stable condition. As previously listed the alternator does not charge but per the linked forum both wires on the connector should be reading 12v. However the red/violet wire does not. I need to figure out any further diagnosing to confirm it’s a faulty PCM or what that listed wire does go to. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 (edited) On older cars the alternator was not hooked to a bms battery management system. On this vehicle it’s the pcm that regulates voltage via a 5 volt feed wire going to alternator. It’s varies this voltage depending on system load. So not necessarily battery voltage 12.5 ish at the alternator on both wires. Part of pcm that controls voltage could be faulty with rest of pcm still working fine. Or could be wire harness issue. Charging system wiring diagram needed. Fusible link by starter mentioned by Dean H has to be checked for output voltage. https://www.chryslerminivan.net/threads/alternator-or-pcm-update-fixed.179009/ Edited July 13 by John/Horace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 13 Report Share Posted July 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bustjesus Posted July 19 Author Report Share Posted July 19 So asuming since that RD/VL wire are indeed to have voltage going to them could I load the RD/VL wire with voltage from an external source in order to see if the alternator then activates? or is there any other diasgnostics i can do to pinpoint if my issue is in the PCM internally, all other signs point to that. Battery is okay and alternator is okay as well. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted July 19 Report Share Posted July 19 And you have tested and are certain the fusible link at the starter main stud is good? A broken or badly frayed wire in the harness can show the same symptoms that have you thinking PCM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bustjesus Posted July 20 Author Report Share Posted July 20 All my wires should be okay it’s an Arizona vehicle stored in a garage. Can you tell me where that links to so I can check it? And if that all checks out what would be next step? Adding external voltage to the RD/VL wire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5rebel9 Posted July 20 Report Share Posted July 20 9 hours ago, bustjesus said: All my wires should be okay it’s an Arizona vehicle stored in a garage. Can you tell me where that links to so I can check it? And if that all checks out what would be next step? Adding external voltage to the RD/VL wire It matters NOT where you are located or if garaged or not, wires in harnesses can and do break and must be tested/checked. The fusible link wire is an Orange wire to the big 8mm{13mm socket nut on the starter solenoid. IF that is blown or a break in that wire thru the harness to the PCM, you WILL have loss of charging system. There are a number of threads with stp by step and diagrams posted on the forum, mainly by member Dean H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 20 Report Share Posted July 20 Circled is the fusible link that connects the alternator battery feed to the starter cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 20 Report Share Posted July 20 Go here to my post- https://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/topic/18296-charging-system-101-with-diagrams/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bustjesus Posted July 26 Author Report Share Posted July 26 Hello, I went ahead and checked the fusible link wire and it is in tact after inspection. What would be my next step in diagnostics? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John/Horace Posted July 26 Report Share Posted July 26 (edited) Electrical problems rarely visual. Intact means continuity to ground ? What is the voltage output with the ignition on. Amperage to ground also useful, but since it’s fed from ecm you need to be careful. Expensive item, so maybe skip for now unless your an electronics tec. Resistance measurement from ecm output plug pin to the harness fusible link, safer. Both ends isolated for test. My alternator produced proper charge for about 4 mins before it would drastically drop off. Warming up caused internal intermittent failure of voltage regulator. Quick bench test wouldn’t have shown my issue. Edited July 26 by John/Horace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 26 Report Share Posted July 26 First, Read this post by another forum member. He replaced the alternator. So far he hasn't any more problems. TIPM or PCM ? https://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/topic/18200-tipm-or-pcm/ So to simplify what John said. Leave the PCM alone. Engine off. Do this- check battery voltage, at the negative battery ground stud. Positive battery cable at the TIPM. Check battery voltage at the battery connection on the alternator large stud. Use the battery ground stud as your ground. Report back Battery voltage- Battery voltage at alternator- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean H Posted July 27 Report Share Posted July 27 Anyways, You should have the same voltage at the alternator stud as you do at the TIPM. Checked on my DJ. If you don't then you have a cable issue. Fix that and still have problems. I would replace the alternator. It worked for yyz read below. https://www.dodgejourneyforum.com/topic/18200-tipm-or-pcm/ Dean 2late4u 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.