Chrysler Repair: 2001 T&C LXI 3.3l flex fuel 2WD, haynes manual, circuit resistance

Question
Hi Roland,

The charging system warning light im my vehicle comes on shortly after starting it up and stays on the whole time the engine is running. This occurs every time the vehicle is driven. The voltage at the battery is 12.8 volts with the engine off. With the engine running the voltage at the battery is 13.8 - 13.9 volts. According to the Haynes manual I have these readings are within specs. There are no unusual noises and no DTC's are present. The vehicle runs fine. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Rennie

Answer
Hi Rennie,
That is interesting. About the only problem I can see to investigate would be the possibility of a loose/corroded wire on either the output side of the generator to the + post of the battery, or similarly on the ground side of the circuit to the - post. If the Haynes doesn't describe a charging circuit resistance test, let me know and I can xerox and postal mail you a page from the Chrysler shop manual. It may be that the voltage at the battery is not what the powertrain controller "sees" due to a voltage drop brought about by a corroded connection somewhere in the circuit.
Roland