QuestionHi and i got the car to do that again it looks like the ALT is bad it came up with a code of 41
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Followup To
Question -
Hi I have a 1996 sebring conv.with a 2.5 V6 the car runs cood but the battery light comes on after driving for a short time and the lights go dim,if you stop and turn the car off and set a couple min. and restart the car the light will go out and every thing is normal.I have checked the battery and it is good,could this be the alt going bad,and if it is how hard is the ALT to change is this car,Thanks Dale
Answer -
Hi Dale,
It is likely that the alternator is going bad but not a certainty. I would begin by doing a self-readout of the engine controller memory. Turn the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on", doing this in less than 5 seconds elapsed time. Then notice that the check engine light will remain "on" but then begin to flash, pause, flash, puase, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Repeat the readout to verify accuracy. Then combine the numbers into pairs in the order that they appeared, thus creating two-digit fault codes. The last code will always be 55 which is the code for "end of readout". Then write back with the numbers or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a translation of the codes. Let me know so I can suggest specifically what needs to be done to correct your problem.
The fault codes for the generator system are 41, 44, 46 and 47.
There is some dismantling required if the generator needs to be changed (splash sheild, intake manifold plenum, A/C drive belt, etc.) So I would first make sure that it is the alternator and not its control circuit by doing the code readout. Also check if the drive belt might be slipping. the deflection should be 3/8-1/2 inch when you press on the belt midway between pulleys. If it is more than that, you need to increase the tension. Let me know.
Roland
AnswerHi Dale,
It is likely the field coils of the alternator but just in case you might want to verify that the wires from the coils to the powertrain controller are patent. The red wire goes to pin 2 of the 60-way plug at the controller while the blue goes to pin 1. So if you have a continuity tester or an ohmmeter check those two wires and maybe flex them a bit to see if there is anything flakey. If not, then the alternator is your bet. As to the changeout, I notice that my '95 Sebring sedan manual talks about a more complex set of steps (which I alluded to earlier) than does the '96 Stratus manual. Let me know if it looks complicated and I can either type-in the steps or xerox copy and postal mail you a couple of pages that show the various steps.
Roland
