Battery charging warning light.

[Brit30-06]

Hi Lads.

Started the WH yesterday morning. Was sat putting glasses on and sorting seat belt when i heard the dreaded 'bing' of doom :D. When i hear that noise i can feel my wallet emptying.

Anyway, it was the red battery symbol that had come on. It stayed on for about 5 seconds and went out. Jeep ran fine on the couple of trips i did and light did not come back on.

Now i have had a kind of rattle noise coming from front of engine. Mercedes specialist said it may be Alternator. Our own Clarky suggested the Alternator pulley could make this noise.

What do you suggest i do?

Will i have a code stored?

Should i just get the Alternator replaced as a precaution?

Many thanks lads.
Brit.

[alexbrown64]

17mm socket on an extension bar from under the car and release the tension on the belt tensioner with one hand and slip the belt off the alternator with the other.you can then spin the alternator and feel if any bearings feel shot. You could also check the other pulleys.
Sounds like your alternator is ok though if the light went back out.
Clarky has a write up on the various pulleys including the alternator.

If worst came to worst, the Valeo from Rockauto is what the CRD comes with and it’s cheap, even with post.

Do yourself a favour Brit and get a Vgate obd2 dongle and JScan. You can check your codes in seconds. Will be very handy down the track, and it’s cheap as chips and easy to use.

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Hi Alex.
Thanks for helping.

Can you access the belt tensioner without removing the kidney shaped reasonator? I paid a Mercedes specialist to identify the rattle noise. They said alternator but would not guarantee it was that. Wanted £900 to replace it too.

I can source a new Valeo alternator in uk. By the time i have added import duty and tax to the Rockauto one i may as well get one here.

You can laugh out loud if you wish but i do not have a smart phone. My phone is so old it does not even have a camera on it. :)

I have access to a 'snap on' code reader so i can get the codes read no problem.

It just seemed too much of a coincidence that i had alleged alternator issues and then the warning light came on. I have been out in the Jeep again though today and all has been well. I am not sure what to make of it.

Thanks.
Brit.

[alexbrown64]

Your right Brit, i forgot about the resonator being in the way a bit.
I have deleted the resonator in both our WH CRD's which helps alot.

Here is Chirpz write up on doing the belt, If you feel like tackling it.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o3uPy9TA8EutxgOQ72aknv8xbIRFpVOd/view

If you do do it, which is only half an hour, then at least you could feel the pulleys and see if they need replacing, which is a 10 minute job. You could also feel the alternator to see if that if spinning smoothly, and also check the tension and the pulley on the belt tensioner.

I would just keep an eye on the alternator and if the light starts staying on after start up, or appears every now and then, or you get some rumbles and squeals from around that area, then look at doing belt, pulleys and alternator in one hit. I think you can source the OM642 parts pretty cheap in UK, as a lot of cars over there run that diesel engine.

If its all OK at the moment, just leave it for now, but plan for the future. Slowly gather the parts you may need.

Mate, over time, i would seriously look at upgrading your phone to a smart one. All cars now run OBDII and we all need to be able to read codes, look up what they are and clear them. I make pretty good money at my job, but i did about 30 hours of work on our 2 WH CRD's while i was home this fortnight. That equates to over $4000 hard earned ozzie dollars at a Jeep stealership just in labour. A lot of the savings comes from being able to read the codes, diagnose them and order parts/work on them myself.

Cheers and Merry Christmas Brit,

[Brit30-06]

Hi Alex.
Thanks for the reply.

Before i lost my job i could do a lot of fixes at work. We had a fully equipped workshop and plenty of room in a dry and warm loading bay. All gone now and my drive is too steep to do any work. This and a lack of tools makes most diy impossible. Also, i wish i had a fraction of your skills. Keeping a WH running must be easier than an offshore gas rig?

The belt, pulleys and tensioner were all changed about 20,000 miles ago.The brand used was Gates. I am guessing they should all be ok but nothing is guaranteed.

You are correct about the smart phone. I am a bit of a technology dinosaur. My old phone makes calls and sends texts which is all i ever needed to do. The Jscan looks a good tool as does the Bluedriver.

I will get the codes checked and see if it has stored one.

I appreciate the help.
Brit.

[alexbrown64]

Hey Brit,

Sorry about the job loss. Im casual and can happen anytime, especially with this Covid hanging around.
I guess im lucky with tools and the space to do stuff and tend to forget other folks environments.

That Gates stuff is good gear, so with only 20K, you will be fine with all that.

Just keep an eye on it all and i think you will be fine.

Cheers,

[Clarky]

An overrun pully failure is not usually associated with the warning light :(
I suspect (sadly) that the brush's in the alternator have reached the end of their life. They are replaceable but if the stator is worn also its probably best to replace the alternator :cry:

[Clarky]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131120454954?hash=item1e87635d2a:g:ViMAAOSwjzJbHxP t

[Brit30-06]

An overrun pully failure is not usually associated with the warning light :(
I suspect (sadly) that the brush's in the alternator have reached the end of their life. They are replaceable but if the stator is worn also its probably best to replace the alternator :cry:

Hi Clarky.
Thanks for replying.

I had the codes pulled today. It had 2 codes of P065a generator system performance.

I suspect you are correct about the alternator. It is 12 years old and nothing lasts forever.

Finding someone competent to fit one is another matter.

Thank you.
Brit.

[Brit30-06]

Hi Lads.
Just an update.

Still getting the red battery symbol. It only comes on though at first start up in the morning. Once it has been run, it does not come back on when starting warm engine.

Are we still thinking Alternator? Would a faulty battery cause the red light to come on?

Would you believe i am struggling to find a garage that will do the job?

Thank you.

[Gojeep]

Maybe starting it is pulling the battery voltage too low and then recovers as you drive.

[Brit30-06]

Maybe starting it is pulling the battery voltage too low and then recovers as you drive.

Hi Marcus.

It is a strange one. I admit to being a layman with auto electrics, but i can't understand why the red battery light only shows on cold engine starts.

Had the battery checked today. Guy at garage said battery was ok but could benefit from a good charge and alternator was charging at 14.7 volts. He pointed out that diesels are not good for short trips and take a lot out of a battery.

My search for someone to do the alternator continues.

[Brit30-06]

With the alt throwing out 14.7v of charge...mate...it sounds like your batteries flattery....IF you can run your vehicle for 40+klm above 1500rpm...do it...if not..trickle charge is the best method...leave it on trickle for as looooong as possible...if the batteries gettin to 'bin it' stage...it wont hold charge in either case...Marcus's explanation is very valid...when you leave it overnight its slowly dropping charge...red light comes on because voltage is low after drain from start up...you run it...put charge back in it...and viola...no battery/charge light....car sits overnight....and the cycle goes full circle...soooo....if alts throwing 14.7v whilst running....battery NEEDS it....hoping that was understandable

Hi Farwest.

Thanks for replying.

What you say makes perfect sense. The thing i was unaware of, was that a low battery would trip the red battery warning light.

I presumed that the light was tripped if the ecu did not detect an output from the alternator.

[Brit30-06]

Hi Farwest.
We had our arses handed to us on a platter. I am not a cricket fan though. Only sport i partake in is a little target and clay shooting.

Interesting thing happenend this morning. Started the Jeep and put headlights on. The battery warning light came in for it's usual 5 seconds or so. When the battery warning light did go out, you could see the headlights immediately go brighter. As if the alternator had suddenly 'kicked in'.

It is odd. Whenever i have had alternators fail on other cars they just stopped working. None of this intermittent problem.

I will connect my Ctek smart charger tomorrow and let it run a full charge cycle. It will do no harm. I am still suspecting the alternator is on its way out. Like clarky said originally, maybe brushes are sticking.

A decent quality battery, 100AH and 900CA is about £100. That is about $190 Aussie.

I am clueless with electrics. I can fit a battery ok though.

As i am having trouble finding someone to even fit an alternator, i rang my local jeep stealership. Purely for shits and giggles i asked for a price. 'That will be £1,000 fitted please', was the reply - $1900 Aussie - . That is for a 'factory re-manufactured' alternator too, not a new one. They refuse to fit aftermarket as they have had too many 'issues' with them.

Thanks.

[alexbrown64]

My daughters WH diesel had exactly the same symptoms. Red alternator light would stay on for a little while and then go out. Sometimes it would come back on when idling. Finally, on a long drive, it came on and stayed on. That’s when I knew for sure it was kaput.
I would be preparing for the alternator change.
Have the replacement ready, and find a mobile mechanic or workshop that can do it. Have a copy of Chirpz instructions handy.

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Battery is cheap compared to Oz...around $500AUD...Stealership prices are Globally on par....lol....ridiculous...have you tried finding a REAL Auto Electrician...one that does rewinds and brush replacements...not just unbolt and bolt on jobs....completely understand that finding craftsmen nowadays is bloody tuff...Clarky is a very smart man and has forgotten more about these things than I'll ever be alive long enough to learn...if he's saying the brushes 'stick' when getting close to being replaced....I'd be searching for Auto lekky to replace the brushes....brushes are a cheap part....NOT Jeep specific....good luck finding an Auto lekky that still has 'talent'

ps:...or just UTUBE Brush replacement on the model of Alternator you have....buy the brushes from an Auto Electrical Wholesaler and fit em yourself...dont be scared....you will only be doing what your paying some-one else to do....UTUBE is your friend

Hi.
You are correct, clarky is very switched on. A good bloke who has helped me many times.

Battery had 12 hours on the ctek smart charger. It is 100% charged now. Battery light still came on after start up.

I do not have the tools or anywhere at home i can really work on the Jeep, plus if i am honest i lack the confidence to attempt it.

Just looked and an 'Exide Master' 100ah and 900cca is £73. Why are batterys so expensive on Oz?

[Brit30-06]

My daughters WH diesel had exactly the same symptoms. Red alternator light would stay on for a little while and then go out. Sometimes it would come back on when idling. Finally, on a long drive, it came on and stayed on. That’s when I knew for sure it was kaput.
I would be preparing for the alternator change.
Have the replacement ready, and find a mobile mechanic or workshop that can do it. Have a copy of Chirpz instructions handy.

Cheers,

Hi Alex.
That is reassuring in a way. I could not understand why the warning light was only coming on at start up. I have noticed that the light is taking longer to go out now.

Tried four garages. Two did not want the job and two never got back to me.

[Brit30-06]

My daughters WH diesel had exactly the same symptoms. Red alternator light would stay on for a little while and then go out. Sometimes it would come back on when idling. Finally, on a long drive, it came on and stayed on. That’s when I knew for sure it was kaput.
I would be preparing for the alternator change.
Have the replacement ready, and find a mobile mechanic or workshop that can do it. Have a copy of Chirpz instructions handy.

Cheers,

Hi Alex.
I have the Chipz pdf at hand.

What is the sensor that fits in front of the flap in the throttle body? Air flow?

Thanks for the help.

[alexbrown64]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2008,grand+cherokee,3.0l+v6+diesel+turbocharg ed,1441551,fuel+&+air,air+intake+/+charge+temperature+sensor,5072

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,2008,grand+cherokee,3.0l+v6+diesel+turbocharg ed,1441551,fuel+&+air,air+intake+/+charge+temperature+sensor,5072

Cheers,

Hi.
Thanks Alex, i appreciate your help and patience.

Is this the alternator you got from rockauto? https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=4034121&cc=1441551&pt=2412&jsn=10460

I think valeo were the oem supplier.

[alexbrown64]

Hey Brit,
That’s the exact alternator we got for our CRD.
It is the OEM one and is exactly what our original one was.
Fitted perfectly, and we have had no issues.

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Hey Brit,
That’s the exact alternator we got for our CRD.
It is the OEM one and is exactly what our original one was.
Fitted perfectly, and we have had no issues.

Cheers,

Hi Alex.
Thanks for that.

Since i made last post Alternator has finally died.

I have found a garage that are happy to do the work. They will fit an alternator supplied by me but offer no warranty. They supply and fit and i get 12 months warranty. I can understand why to be honest.

They are 22 kilometers away.Do you think a 95ah battery at 100% charge and using no electrical equipment make it that distance?

Thanks for your patience with me.

[alexbrown64]

Bummer on the alternator.
I think you should be fine going that distance with a fully charged battery and not using wipers, lights, radio, aircon etc..
It’s a diesel, so they practically run without any electtrickery...

Glad you found a workshop to do it. Strange they won’t provide warranty on a supplied brand new alternator, but I guess you need one ASAP now, and best to get them to supply one and install it.
Good luck with it all,

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Bummer on the alternator.
I think you should be fine going that distance with a fully charged battery and not using wipers, lights, radio, aircon etc..
It’s a diesel, so they practically run without any electtrickery...

Glad you found a workshop to do it. Strange they won’t provide warranty on a supplied brand new alternator, but I guess you need one ASAP now, and best to get them to supply one and install it.
Good luck with it all,

Cheers,

Hi Alex.
I can kind of see their point. I would not want to guarantee a product i had not supplied only for it to break and leave me out of pocket replacing it.

You are a good man and i am grateful for all your help. Wish i could buy you a case of cold ones.

Pretty warm i believe where you are now. We have a hard frost here at the moment.

[Brit30-06]

Hi.
Quick update.

I totally forget i had breakdown insurance cover. Rang it in this morning and 2 hours later a flat bed truck turns up and transports my jeep to the garage.

All being well i should have it back tomorrow.

[alexbrown64]

That’s great that you could get it towed there.
Good luck with the swap.
I was just on a CRD Facebook page and the thread was about the alternator. Lots of guys putting in aftermarket ones and having problems. One guy reckons to do it through the wheel well and it only takes an hour?

At least you will have warranty as well.

Cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Hi Alex.
Yes aftermarket is always a worry. Let's hope all is ok. I noted in the Chipz guide he used NAPA. Now they are poor. Bad reputation on the Yank forums.

[Brit30-06]

Good luck !!!

Hi.
Thanks mate. Fingers are crossed. :)

[Brit30-06]

Hi Lads.
Picked the Jeep up this morning. Drove home, been out and run a few errands for the mother in law. All seems to be running great and back to normal :)

The garage charged for 3 hours labour. Does that seem fair?

Hopefully it is now sorted for some time.

Half the price of jeep dealer and mercedes specialist.

[alexbrown64]

Well done.
Shouldn't have any more problems in that department.
3 hours is very good and saved you a lot of pain.
What alternator did they install?

cheers,

[Brit30-06]

Hi Lads.
Three hours did seem ok. Would have taken me about 3 weeks. :)

Not sure what alternator was used. The service guy was very busy. He just said all was good and i paid my bill.

On handing me my bill he said all was guaranteed and if any problems in future i should get in touch.

They had some nice cars in the workshop including a Range Rover having both turbos replaced. Engine and transmission out. They seemed very competent.

Time will tell.

Thanks for all your help lads in guiding me through this.

[Brit30-06]

The Rangie turbo thing is a every 180k thing...both turbos need replacing...body off chassis job...12kAUD...GREAT cars...the twin turbo V8 Diesel jobs...2010 is by far the best they have made...but...they do cost to own...bullet proof engines and trans...for 180k...then...its into the bank account we go...

Wud rather be 'dabbling' with my Grand...jus sayin

Hi.
The service dept has a large window so you can look into the workshop. I thought that was a nice touch.

Service guy reckoned about 3 days labour on the Range Rover turbo job.

I love Range Rovers but could never afford the repair bills. Like any newer land rover product they are a financial disaster waiting to happen.

I ran a Freelander before my Jeep. It was a pile of poop. After every repair i thought that surely all will be ok now.

Head gasket failure finally sent it to scrap yard.