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Vanschlick
Gen I
 
5/15/2009
21:29:53
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 Subject: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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Message:
I have a 00 dakota 4.7 with the tow package and 150 k miles. Check engine light came on, spit 3 codes:
0420 catalytic converter going bad
0455 evap leak (maybe the gas cap)
1594 Charging System Voltage Too High
not concerned with the first 2, the nipple broke off my canister when my truck was like 6 months old - dealership would not fix that - said it was a rock and not covered by warranty - when the hell did the start putting the o2 canister under the vehicles? I jury rigged that with epoxy - so the 420 code is either that or my gas cap. The cats I figured would need to be replaced soon anyhow...
so that leaves me with the charging system. Thing is the gauger looks like its normal to me, running right at 14 and have not seen it spike at all like others here who have had the same issue.
seems like it would be the voltage regulator - which of course is not separate from the $244 alternator. The local napa said the could check my alternator on the vehicle, but when I got down there of course I found out they had given me bad info over the phone. I live out in the boonies and have no way to get to town (17 miles) if I pull my alternator...
I guess Im looking for a second opinion or hoping somebody else may have had this happen to them and can give me some input...
Thanks in advance!
Van
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Kowalski
GenIII
5/16/2009
09:08:32
|  RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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Message:
I'd check it with a meter to confirm if it's too high. If you need a new alternator, it's worth shopping around. I don't remember what I paid when I replaced mine a few years ago for low output, but I would have remembered if it was that expensive. I thought the voltage regulator was in the PCM, but I could be wrong about that ? I had a similar problem with a Pontiac many years ago and it had an odd cause - bad ground strap between engine and body. Not sure if that could cause the problem in a mopar. Good luck.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Vanschlick
GenI
5/16/2009
15:41:33
| RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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Message:
thx for your reply!
My truck has the high output alternator, and napa here is the one who quoted my 244, but I always shop around.
Thing is, if the regulator is in the pcm (Im pretty sure you are correct about that) and my gauge seems to indicate that my volts are in the correct range, that leaves me stumped as to what may be the cause. A mechanic friend of mine suggests clearing the code (by disconnecting the battery and touching the cables together for 5 minutes) and just see if it even comes back. He also mentioned that it could be a bad ground, similar to your pontiac experience.
I will try clearing the code and then I will go to a friends who has a digital volt meter and see if my gauge is reading right. Though my experience with gauges is either they work or they dont.
Ill update later and thx again!
I need more cowbell!
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Vanschlick
GenI
5/16/2009
20:36:53
| RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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I cleared the codes and so far so good - though I have only driven about 25 miles. Been monitoring the gauge and its holding steady right at 14. We shall see...
I need more cowbell!
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Vanschlick
GenI
5/17/2009
16:59:31
| RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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So I drove off the mountain down into the city today, about 150 miles round trip on a very hot day and still no recurrence of the check engine light. Keeping fingers crossed for now, could have been an errant code, or maybe an intermittent ground issue...
I need more cowbell!
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Oldschool
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/18/2009
11:44:41
| RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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An old(weak) battery will cause the alt to constantly try to top up the battery. If everything is in good condition-you should only be showing around 12.5 to 13.
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Vanschlick
GenI
5/18/2009
13:42:03
| RE: 2000 4.7 overcharging
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Message:
Battery is only 3 months old - I could have swore I was told the charging system runs at 14.4 or something like that. In any case my battery gauge is right where its been for 9 years now when I run my truck.
I need more cowbell!
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i love pron
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/20/2018
17:28:32
| MbHOLKEDzFlwDOK
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hqZPjX It as really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
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