Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Guest
Posts: n/a
Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Greetings all,
I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
even go after the engine problems earlier).
I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
Anyone have any advice???
Thanks,
Jimmy
1997 Jeep TJ
Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
even go after the engine problems earlier).
I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
Anyone have any advice???
Thanks,
Jimmy
1997 Jeep TJ
Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
<jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
<jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
<jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
<jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
If the belt is ok, then you have an alternator problem. Possibly water in
the alternator. As far as the Jeep stalling, my guess is the fuel pump
(electric) wasnt getting the necessary 12 volts and couldnt keep up. Check
all of your connection e.g. battery terminals. alternator terminals, etc.
If they are all ok, you have a bad alternator.
FYI Sears can do an alternator check for you. (I believe it's free.)
John
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
the alternator. As far as the Jeep stalling, my guess is the fuel pump
(electric) wasnt getting the necessary 12 volts and couldnt keep up. Check
all of your connection e.g. battery terminals. alternator terminals, etc.
If they are all ok, you have a bad alternator.
FYI Sears can do an alternator check for you. (I believe it's free.)
John
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
If the belt is ok, then you have an alternator problem. Possibly water in
the alternator. As far as the Jeep stalling, my guess is the fuel pump
(electric) wasnt getting the necessary 12 volts and couldnt keep up. Check
all of your connection e.g. battery terminals. alternator terminals, etc.
If they are all ok, you have a bad alternator.
FYI Sears can do an alternator check for you. (I believe it's free.)
John
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
the alternator. As far as the Jeep stalling, my guess is the fuel pump
(electric) wasnt getting the necessary 12 volts and couldnt keep up. Check
all of your connection e.g. battery terminals. alternator terminals, etc.
If they are all ok, you have a bad alternator.
FYI Sears can do an alternator check for you. (I believe it's free.)
John
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Greg wrote:
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
>>Greetings all,
>>
>>I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>>figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>>apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>>(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>>my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>>was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>>too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>>wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>>off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>>her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>>to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>>friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>>again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>>dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>>blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>>eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>>had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>>noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>>gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>>and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>>playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>>This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>>stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>>So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>>jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>>before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>>an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>>plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>>even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>>I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>>do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>>would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>>Anyone have any advice???
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jimmy
>>
>>1997 Jeep TJ
>>Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
>
How many miles on the Jeep? It might be coincidence that the alternator
went bad while you were on the trail, or it may have been about to fail
anyway and the bouncing around pushed it over the edge. One thing to dry
is give the alternator a good whack, if the brushes are worn and aren't
making good contact with the slip rings a bit of percussive maintenance
may temporarily reseat them. You might also check to make sure nothing
bounced up behind the alternator and damaged the wiring (unlikely).
When my alternator went bad it behaved EXACTLY like yours, and like
yours the Jeep got me back to my driveway and that was IT.
That alternator is about $120 from Autozone, and they aren't that hard
to put on.
Jeff DeWitt
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
>>Greetings all,
>>
>>I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>>figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>>apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>>(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>>my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>>was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>>too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>>wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>>off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>>her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>>to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>>friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>>again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>>dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>>blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>>eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>>had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>>noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>>gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>>and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>>playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>>This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>>stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>>So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>>jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>>before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>>an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>>plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>>even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>>I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>>do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>>would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>>Anyone have any advice???
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jimmy
>>
>>1997 Jeep TJ
>>Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
>
How many miles on the Jeep? It might be coincidence that the alternator
went bad while you were on the trail, or it may have been about to fail
anyway and the bouncing around pushed it over the edge. One thing to dry
is give the alternator a good whack, if the brushes are worn and aren't
making good contact with the slip rings a bit of percussive maintenance
may temporarily reseat them. You might also check to make sure nothing
bounced up behind the alternator and damaged the wiring (unlikely).
When my alternator went bad it behaved EXACTLY like yours, and like
yours the Jeep got me back to my driveway and that was IT.
That alternator is about $120 from Autozone, and they aren't that hard
to put on.
Jeff DeWitt
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Greg wrote:
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
>>Greetings all,
>>
>>I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>>figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>>apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>>(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>>my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>>was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>>too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>>wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>>off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>>her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>>to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>>friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>>again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>>dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>>blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>>eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>>had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>>noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>>gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>>and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>>playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>>This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>>stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>>So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>>jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>>before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>>an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>>plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>>even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>>I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>>do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>>would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>>Anyone have any advice???
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jimmy
>>
>>1997 Jeep TJ
>>Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
>
How many miles on the Jeep? It might be coincidence that the alternator
went bad while you were on the trail, or it may have been about to fail
anyway and the bouncing around pushed it over the edge. One thing to dry
is give the alternator a good whack, if the brushes are worn and aren't
making good contact with the slip rings a bit of percussive maintenance
may temporarily reseat them. You might also check to make sure nothing
bounced up behind the alternator and damaged the wiring (unlikely).
When my alternator went bad it behaved EXACTLY like yours, and like
yours the Jeep got me back to my driveway and that was IT.
That alternator is about $120 from Autozone, and they aren't that hard
to put on.
Jeff DeWitt
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>
>>Greetings all,
>>
>>I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>>figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>>apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>>(noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>>my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>>was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>>too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>>wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>>off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>>her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>>to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>>friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>>again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>>dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>>blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>>eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>>had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>>noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>>gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>>and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>>playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>>This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>>stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>>So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>>jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>>before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>>an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>>plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>>even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>>I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>>do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>>would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>>Anyone have any advice???
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Jimmy
>>
>>1997 Jeep TJ
>>Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
>
How many miles on the Jeep? It might be coincidence that the alternator
went bad while you were on the trail, or it may have been about to fail
anyway and the bouncing around pushed it over the edge. One thing to dry
is give the alternator a good whack, if the brushes are worn and aren't
making good contact with the slip rings a bit of percussive maintenance
may temporarily reseat them. You might also check to make sure nothing
bounced up behind the alternator and damaged the wiring (unlikely).
When my alternator went bad it behaved EXACTLY like yours, and like
yours the Jeep got me back to my driveway and that was IT.
That alternator is about $120 from Autozone, and they aren't that hard
to put on.
Jeff DeWitt
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Ditto, but why it didn't overheat would be cold weather or good luck. Off
roading can knock just about anything loose. If the belt is still there
look at wiring connections and let the Autozone guys test it. Off road is
maybe not the place for "a mechanical novice at best" but a community
college mechanics course, a user manual and a Sears Craftsman tool kit
should take care of that. A First Responder course wouldn't be a bad idea
either. Every off roading adventure is an excuse to at least look under the
hood and under the vehicle for bolts that need tightening. After a while
your Jeep should be just as weighed down with tools, spare parts, tow straps
and medical kits as everyone else's in this group. Now let's talk about
hiking boots, space blankets, water filters and guns...
Cheers,
Earle
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
roading can knock just about anything loose. If the belt is still there
look at wiring connections and let the Autozone guys test it. Off road is
maybe not the place for "a mechanical novice at best" but a community
college mechanics course, a user manual and a Sears Craftsman tool kit
should take care of that. A First Responder course wouldn't be a bad idea
either. Every off roading adventure is an excuse to at least look under the
hood and under the vehicle for bolts that need tightening. After a while
your Jeep should be just as weighed down with tools, spare parts, tow straps
and medical kits as everyone else's in this group. Now let's talk about
hiking boots, space blankets, water filters and guns...
Cheers,
Earle
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Ditto, but why it didn't overheat would be cold weather or good luck. Off
roading can knock just about anything loose. If the belt is still there
look at wiring connections and let the Autozone guys test it. Off road is
maybe not the place for "a mechanical novice at best" but a community
college mechanics course, a user manual and a Sears Craftsman tool kit
should take care of that. A First Responder course wouldn't be a bad idea
either. Every off roading adventure is an excuse to at least look under the
hood and under the vehicle for bolts that need tightening. After a while
your Jeep should be just as weighed down with tools, spare parts, tow straps
and medical kits as everyone else's in this group. Now let's talk about
hiking boots, space blankets, water filters and guns...
Cheers,
Earle
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
roading can knock just about anything loose. If the belt is still there
look at wiring connections and let the Autozone guys test it. Off road is
maybe not the place for "a mechanical novice at best" but a community
college mechanics course, a user manual and a Sears Craftsman tool kit
should take care of that. A First Responder course wouldn't be a bad idea
either. Every off roading adventure is an excuse to at least look under the
hood and under the vehicle for bolts that need tightening. After a while
your Jeep should be just as weighed down with tools, spare parts, tow straps
and medical kits as everyone else's in this group. Now let's talk about
hiking boots, space blankets, water filters and guns...
Cheers,
Earle
"Greg" <greglc84@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:OsN1j.34021$PE.27777@pd7urf1no...
> Have you checked to see if the belt is there, if it's there, check
> tention. I had a branch go up in engine bay and knock off belt once.
>
> <jmastrom@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:5fae4e86-0141-4766-9d8e-0fa89a5a237b@l1g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
>> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
>> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
>> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
>> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
>> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
>> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
>> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
>> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
>> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
>> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
>> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
>> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
>> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
>> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
>> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
>> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
>> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
>> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
>> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
>> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
>> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
>> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>>
>> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
>> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
>> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
>> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
>> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
>> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>>
>> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
>> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
>> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>>
>> Anyone have any advice???
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jimmy
>>
>> 1997 Jeep TJ
>> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
>
>
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Offroad trail killed my alternator????
Hi Jim,
You do not have an automatic belt tension spring as all newer cars
have. See if you can turn the alternator by it's cooling fins or depress
the belt between pulleys more than a half an inch using all the force
one of your fingers can press. Be sure to loosen the idler pulley before
you attempt to adjust: http://www.----------.com/serpenti.jpg
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
jmastrom@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
You do not have an automatic belt tension spring as all newer cars
have. See if you can turn the alternator by it's cooling fins or depress
the belt between pulleys more than a half an inch using all the force
one of your fingers can press. Be sure to loosen the idler pulley before
you attempt to adjust: http://www.----------.com/serpenti.jpg
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
jmastrom@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Greetings all,
>
> I just got back from a pretty rocky trail ride, but nothing that I
> figured would cause any problems later. Well I figured wrong
> apparently. While on the trail I noticed nothing out of the ordinary
> (noises, fluids, etc.) After the trail, during the 2 hour drive home,
> my "check guages" lit up on me. I noticed that my battery indicator
> was way to the left in the "almost dead" range. I really didn't pay
> too much attention since I have had problems in the past with my dash
> wiring. I stopped three times along the way home (with the engine
> off). On the third stop I was filling up on gas and I could not get
> her to start up again. Seemed like a dead battery to me... I proceded
> to check my connections and try again... no luck. I got a jump from a
> friendly passerby and she started right up. But after I got going
> again something just wasn't right... My dash lights were extremely
> dim, my headlights were really dim (almost non-existent), and my
> blinkers were really really slow (they even stopped working completely
> eventually). It felt as if even though my engine was running I still
> had little/no electrical power. Thats not the worst of it... after I
> noticed all this my engine began to sputter when I wasn't heavy on the
> gas. It felt as if it would die if I let off the gas or let it idle,
> and with a "dead battery" I wasn't about to let that happen. I kept
> playing with the gas to keep the jeep from dying all the way home.
> This kept getting worse as I got closer to home, and eventually, it
> stalled (despite my best efforts) in the drive way.
>
> So now I am thinking alternator... I assume that the bumby trail
> jacked something up. Are there a few things I could check myself
> before I go drop $300 for a new alternator?? Could a bumpy ride kill
> an alternator (especially one that is less than 1 1/2 years old)?? I
> plan on getting it up to autozone to get checked tomorrow (if It will
> even go after the engine problems earlier).
>
> I am a jeep novice and really dont have the know-how or the tools to
> do any major work on the jeep myself (i can handle little things). I
> would consider myself a mechanical novice at best.
>
> Anyone have any advice???
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jimmy
>
> 1997 Jeep TJ
> Stock everything except: 4" susp. lift, 33" ATs, new engine,
--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
