2001 Neon - Alternator charging problem

Tiny
RGNPROF
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  • 2001 DODGE NEON
I am working on a 2001 Dodge Neon - new battery and replaced the alternator with a reman. Alternator will not charge - car starts but clearly the alternator is not charging. Putting out 11.80 volts and drops over time, eventually battery light comes on and car won't start as battery discharges.

Understand that the voltage regulator is part of the PCM - PCM threw a code PO601 and the dealer replaced the PCM under warranty. Unfortunately, alternator still won't charge, so I pulled it and took it back to Autozone so they could test it. I watched them hook it up and it pased both tests and they said it was fine (even though others have told me that you can't test this alternator off the car). Reinstalled and it still won't charge!

I'm confused - any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

ryan
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 5:42 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
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You probably have an open field driver circuit between the Alty and PCM.

Do this ground the dark green wire at the alty did the voltage increases? If so verifify that the driver is working if so, defectitve alternator

even though others have told me that you can't test this alternator off the car). It can be done with the proper test stand equipment
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
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What do you mean by "field driver circuit"?

How do I "verify that the driver is working"?

Ryan
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
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Did you ground the dark green wire? If the voltage increases the regulator is bad-if not the alternator, but 1st do a continuity from the PCM to the field on back of the alternator.
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Friday, September 28th, 2007 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the help. I figured out my problem - someone had replaced the starter and failed to connect the wire leading from the starter to the alternator!

Ryan
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Saturday, October 6th, 2007 AT 7:44 AM

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