Battery light turned on, possible voltage regulator failure?

Tiny
ANITA OLMSTEAD HAHN
  • MEMBER
  • 2016 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 3.6L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 129,000 MILES
Two days ago, the battery light came on. I went to O’Reilly’s and they said the battery was good, but the voltage regulator failed. Said needed alternator. I drove it to my brother's house and on way it cut out, so pulled over jump it before it shut off. Put jumper cables on it for 10 minutes and started it. Wouldn’t go no power, rpm jumped, battery light flashing. So put cables back on it and after 30 minutes, I drove the car another 5 miles to his house with battery light on. So, my brother put on the alternator today. Battery light still on. Took it to O’Reillys and again it said voltage regulator failed but if test it separately it says good, if test battery separate it says good. Help?
Saturday, September 9th, 2023 AT 5:41 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

The voltage regulator on this vehicle is a separate component from the alternator. The regulator is an integral component in the powertrain control module.

The PCM is located toward the front of the engine compartment on the driver's side. See pic below. Chances are it will need to be replaced. However, first, check to make sure there is no evidence of wiring damage or connector issues.

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, September 9th, 2023 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
ANITA OLMSTEAD HAHN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you! We were guessing this after reading these posts. Will take to shop for PCM as it has to be programmed, correct?
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Sunday, September 10th, 2023 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, the PCM does need to be programmed. However, I want to make a suggestion. If you purchase the part and have a dealer program it, it will likely be somewhat expensive.

Check to see if you can find a remanufactured one online. There are different places that will send one to you already programed to your vehicle and then you send the old one back to them. It will likely save you a lot of money.

Let me know your thoughts or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, September 10th, 2023 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
ANITA OLMSTEAD HAHN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you! A friend of my brother has a shop with a computer so will save a lot over the dealer or other shops. I’ll let you know if it fixes it! Thanks again!
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,071 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. That's good to hear. Let me know how things turn out for you or if you have other questions.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Monday, September 11th, 2023 AT 8:24 PM

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