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1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator


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beloved.monster
New User

Apr 10, 2010, 12:42 PM

Post #1 of 10 (9598 views)
  post locked   post icon 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

I have recently replaced my alternator on my 1996 Chrysler LHS. I was expecting to have to replace that either way. And I know that alternators drain the battery. When I was finished replacing the alternator I went to AutoZone and got the battery charged up. They said it was a good battery and fully charged. When I got it back into the car however the car still said battery was low.

I have heard that alternaters can be bad even if they are brand new ....


I was wondering if it could be anything else like the wires for the battery or something?

I dont know much about cars...Im a 23 year old female who is just learning about cars...it is only my 2nd car!


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Apr 10, 2010, 1:16 PM

Post #2 of 10 (9596 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

Well I commend you for not only taking a proactive approach to your car but asking questions about what you don't know. The very first thing that should be looked at in any sort of electrical problem are the quality of your power and ground connections. They need to be shiny and tight. A battery post cleaner can be had for a few bucks at any parts store. After getting your posts clean, be sure to coat liberally around it with dielectric grease. This seals the contacts from moisture and battery gasses that cause corrosion. Also, your wires must hook elsewhere from the battery. Ground goes to the engine block, and power goes to the starter and to the main fuse/relay center. These must be cleaned up as well. No matter how good your battery and alternator are, having bad connections is akin to kinking over a garden hose. All you get out of the end is a trickle. One thing I have learned is not to always trust a factory gauge unless you verify its accuracy. Put a multimeter on the battery to see actual voltage and see if it matches the dash reading. If you suspect your alternator is bad, which can happen occasionally, have the parts store test it. They will have to do this for warranty anyhow if its a bad part. Let us know what you find or if you have any more questions we can help with.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 10, 2010, 2:59 PM

Post #3 of 10 (9593 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

Hope this isn't what I'm afraid of - the voltage regulation (voltage regulator) is mounted on an inner fender shield and controlled by the car's PCM which isn't serviceable on it's own and would need replacement - arggh. Hope not.

Haven't run into that but this if the problem and too pricey and the only thing effected by a failure of PCM can have an external regulator put on it which is custom 'hackery' if you will. Get that new alternator tested and if it tests good you may want to seek some help to be sure what is really wrong before it gets too pricey. All this still requires the connections Nick mentioned being known good as well,

T



khalel
New User

Apr 13, 2010, 7:42 PM

Post #4 of 10 (9580 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

are you experiencing any other problem aside from the warning sign things like you can't start your car or your headlight won't turn on? because it is possible that your battery meter is the problem too in order for you to know that there really is a problem with the alternator is if there are other signs, or you could let it check the charging power of the alternator if it discharges the battery or not.







Remove the links from your signature..........not allowed

(This post was edited by Sidom on Apr 13, 2010, 7:48 PM)


beloved.monster
New User

Apr 15, 2010, 12:10 PM

Post #5 of 10 (9569 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

Thank you for all your help. The problem kinda turned out to be funny. The person who installed my alternater didn't plug it in all the way.


I was like..."Are you serious?!"

But it runs well now and the battery light went off as soon as it was plugged in all the way.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Apr 15, 2010, 12:33 PM

Post #6 of 10 (9568 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

WOW! Today is your day - BUY A LOTTERY TICKET!

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Apr 15, 2010, 2:36 PM

Post #7 of 10 (9564 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  


Quote
WOW! Today is your day - BUY A LOTTERY TICKET!


I don't know if I would consider getting a half assed mechanic as being "good luck". It should never have happened.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Batspid3000
New User

Dec 9, 2013, 9:10 PM

Post #8 of 10 (6567 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

I am attempting to help my sister with her 1996 Chrysler LHS 6cyl. Could anyone tell me where the PCM/ECM is located on this vehicle? Also, I noticed in this post that someone mentioned the voltage regulator was on an inside fender. Is this correct?
Thanks for your time and talents.
Gary


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 10, 2013, 2:36 AM

Post #9 of 10 (6560 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

This thread is over 3+1/2 years old. Read forum rules and don't post on someone else's please with your car on their issue. Thread locked so please start your own,

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Dec 10, 2013, 3:29 AM

Post #10 of 10 (6554 views)
  post locked   Re: 1996 Chrysler LHS Battery/Alternator  

FORUM RULES



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







 
 
 






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