Chrysler Repair: Engine dies, battery not charging: 89 New Yorker, chrysler new yorker, inner fender

Question
i have an 89 chrysler new yorker,a few weeks ago while driving all the dash lights went out,i made it a couple of blocks and the car died. i replaced the battery,then the altenator,when i disconnect the altenator car dies,while car is running the battery doesn't show that it is charging.  my neigbor said we need a smecc,something on the inside of the drivers fender,could this be the problem,

Answer
Hi Edward,
It might be the SMEC (single module engine controller, e.g. the computer) but I would not go buy one without further analysis. It might just be a poor battery connection or other wiring fault. Take a look at the battery post clamps and make sure they are clean and tightly bolted. Remove the - clamp first inspect it, then remove the + clamp and inspect it, then replace and bolt the + clamp and finally replace and bolt the - clamp, doing the work in that order to eliminate the chance of a short circuit through the wrench handle touching a metal part of the body near the battery as you are dealing with the bolts. Then inspect the wires that are attached to the - clamp: one goes to a bolt behind and below the battery that is attached to the sheet metal of the inner fender, another goes to the left side of the engine block, probably at the rear top, and another goes to the alternator. Check all those bolts and the surfaces to which the wires's grommets are held by those bolts to make sure that all are shiney and tight.
Then I would do a readout of the engine controller (SMEC) memory for fault codes that might be a clue to why you are having this problem:
Try using the ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on" and leave it "on" (doing this quickly, no longer than 5 seconds). By "on" I mean just the normal position when the engine is running, not the cranking position. The 'check engine'light will remain on when you leave the key in the "on" position with the engine still not running. But then watch the 'check engine' light to begin flashing, then pause, flashing, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and keep track of the numbers. Repeat the readout and verify the counts are correct. Then group them in pairs in the order that they came out, thus forming two digit numbers. You may notice that the pause is shorter between the digits of a given number, and longer between the numbers themselves. Then send me a 'follow-up' question telling me the results of your readout. By the way, 55 will be the last number (two groups of 5 flashes each) and that is the code for "end of readout".
I have the troubleshooting manual for the engines and we can look up the possibilities of what is wrong based upon what fault codes you show. There is also an essay on fault codes at the site:
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
which gives the meaning of the code numbers. But then you need to get specific info for what exactly might be the diagnostic tests or parts to replace to complete the repair. Let me know the codes and I can give you some direction.
You will certainly get a code 12 (battery disconnected recently) and a code 55. But anything else would be relevant. The SMEC does control the alternator which could be the reason for your no charge. But I would want to see a code 41 to verify that, and before concluding it was the SMEC I would check that the wire between controller and the alternator that does the controlling is patent. So tell me your results, and also mention which engine you have in the car.
Good luck.
Roland