SanDiegoOverland
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- San Diego
1992 Cherokee 4.0l
Aw4 auto
Np231
d30/d35 w/abs and A/C
Couple days ago, the check engine light came on and stayed on upon start up. I noticed it, but was on my way to work, and couldn't pull the code right then.
I stopped for gas, filled up, and to my surprise the light was gone. I didn't dismiss it, knowing very well that this was a "soft" error or code, meaning that something was brewing, and would invariably get worse if I ignored it.
I pulled the codes on my OBDI system and got error code 41.
This translates to:
"Alternator Field Switch: Switch not operating correctly and check charging system"
It's a very strange problem to have because upon startup you get the check engine light on and the voltmeter reading low, and then all of a sudden, the volts go right up to 14 and stay there like there's nothing wrong. It will do this at a stand still while I warm the engine a bit or after a few minutes of driving.
This morning I noticed that the headlight output was actually directly impacted by the low voltage output, as they became noticably brighter when the volt meter jumped up to 14v. (It's the first time it made me think that its something other than an incorrect sensor reading, as up till now it had no effect upon start up, or while driving.)
Researching this morning,I found this previous thread:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1015341&highlight=wierd+charging+issue
Which seems very similar if not the same as my situation.:shhh:
I'm going to follow the diagnotic advice of Joe_Peters in that thread to see if I can isolate the source.
Anyone else dealt with this? What was the fix?:huh:
All arrows seem to point @ the battery, alternator or battery terminals/wiring have too much resistance.
Aw4 auto
Np231
d30/d35 w/abs and A/C
Couple days ago, the check engine light came on and stayed on upon start up. I noticed it, but was on my way to work, and couldn't pull the code right then.
I stopped for gas, filled up, and to my surprise the light was gone. I didn't dismiss it, knowing very well that this was a "soft" error or code, meaning that something was brewing, and would invariably get worse if I ignored it.
I pulled the codes on my OBDI system and got error code 41.
This translates to:
"Alternator Field Switch: Switch not operating correctly and check charging system"
It's a very strange problem to have because upon startup you get the check engine light on and the voltmeter reading low, and then all of a sudden, the volts go right up to 14 and stay there like there's nothing wrong. It will do this at a stand still while I warm the engine a bit or after a few minutes of driving.
This morning I noticed that the headlight output was actually directly impacted by the low voltage output, as they became noticably brighter when the volt meter jumped up to 14v. (It's the first time it made me think that its something other than an incorrect sensor reading, as up till now it had no effect upon start up, or while driving.)
Researching this morning,I found this previous thread:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1015341&highlight=wierd+charging+issue
Which seems very similar if not the same as my situation.:shhh:
I'm going to follow the diagnotic advice of Joe_Peters in that thread to see if I can isolate the source.
Anyone else dealt with this? What was the fix?:huh:
All arrows seem to point @ the battery, alternator or battery terminals/wiring have too much resistance.