Charging system not working?

Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 2.5L
  • 5 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 107,456 MILES
Hello, I am working on the car listed above, so the battery light kept coming on and off for past six months or so until recently when the battery warning light stayed on solid, and the car died. Both alternator and battery were tested, and both were bad (alternator was tested on and off vehicle with same result) I've replaced both alternator and battery with new parts and had the new alternator tested prior to installing it. I also checked the alternator fuse/fusible link that sits on the front side of the junction box in the engine compartment, and it had continuity which I also replaced as a precaution with another used one which also had continuity across both fuses that are on that same block. However, the problem still persists, and battery light still stays on. When I scanned the OBD system with my scanner I came across this code which keeps coming back even after I delete it. The code is: P068A (static) ECM Power Relay Loac Circuit (J271), De-Energized Performance Too Early and P0562 (intermittent) System Voltage Too Low. I've also included a screenshot of this. I've tried to look up and locate the J271 relay but there is nothing that's giving me a specific location or relay. I've also tried testing the alternator with my scanner and there's no output, just 12.6 volts and dropping while the engine is running. Please let me know what do you think? Also does the system need to be reprogrammed after replacing all this? Thank you so much!
P.S
It may not let me upload the screenshot of the code, but it is as described. Thanks
Friday, November 8th, 2024 AT 6:14 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,356 POSTS
These codes could be because the system is not charging, the first thing i would do is check the 200-amp fuse under the hood that goes to the alternator. Here is a guide to help and the alternator wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, November 8th, 2024 AT 4:34 PM
Tiny
HGWK
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First and foremost thank you for your reply, but as I mentioned I did check the alternator fuse/fusible link for continuity and it has continuity and as a precaution I have swapped it with another used fuse block like the one you see in the picture, I've measured continuity for all fuses on that block, should I check for resistance values and do you know what those are?Thanks
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Saturday, November 9th, 2024 AT 7:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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There should be little to no resistance through the fuses link or wiring. Are you getting 12 volts to the black wire at the alternator?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2024 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
HGWK
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Yes it's putting out 12.29V at the alternator.
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Sunday, November 10th, 2024 AT 4:30 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,356 POSTS
So the black wire has 12 volts? Or the alternator is putting out 12 volts while running?
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 8:54 AM
Tiny
HGWK
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Yes the alternator is putting out 12.29V at the black wire while running, which I think is insufficient, should be around 14V if I'm not mistaken?
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
HGWK
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I'm going to test again with the engine running and engine off as I think it's just measuring the battery voltage. I will update ASAP. Thanks
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
HGWK
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Yes the voltage is about the same woth engine off 12.69V so the new alternator is not putting anything out?
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
HGWK
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Update! I think I got it figured out. The alternator is spinning in the opposite direction of the direction indicating arrow on the body of the alternator meaning they sold me an alternator for single sided belt and mine is dual sided. Gonna go replace the alternator with correct one then I'll update. Thanks
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Monday, November 11th, 2024 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work! That does not happen very often so I am glad you found it.
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Tuesday, November 12th, 2024 AT 10:51 AM

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