2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Alternator Voltage

I understand. There is no room. I need you to check a couple things dealing with the alt before we move to the pcm.

First, check the voltage between the alt B+ terminal and the battery Pos + terminal. Start the engine. Is the voltage above 0.4 volts? If it is, repair the B+ wire between the alt and the battery for high resistance. I believe that wire is a fuseable link and may have gone bad when the wires were crossed.

If all is okay there, do the following:

Now, we need to make sure there has been no damage to the alt ground. I need you to check for voltage between the alt case and the ground on the battery. Is the voltage greater than 0.1 volt? If it is, you need to repair the alternator ground for high resistance (alt case to battery ground side).

Please be careful when the engine is running to keep clear of belts and any moving parts. Let me know what you find. Also, I know this is going to be difficult on this car, but I'm thinking a wire melted down.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
PS: Check the power distribution box under the hood to make sure there are no blown fuses there too.

Yes we found the fuse link between the starter and alt is melted down. Where do you even finde 10 gauge fuse link, Autozone et all does not see to carry it, is there an inline fuse that would holld on this and if so what amperage would it need?

I had a feeling that was the problem. Where I live, I would have 2 choices, a dealer or an auto-electric shop. None of the parts stores will carry it. I would recommend removing it and taking it to the dealer to get a new one. You really need to stay with the fuseable link.

Let me know if you find one. If you can't, I'll figure something out for you.

Take care, I wish you and your family a good new year, and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

Joe

Hi...I have not been able to locate a 10 Gauge fuse link anywhere around here yet. The guy at local parts store suggested soldering in a piece of standard 10Gauge wire, but I am not suire about that...I have read where a fuse link is basically a wire that is 1/4 the size of the circuit/wire that it is to protect so I am torn here as to what to try next.

Don't replace the fuseable link with standard wiring. If there is a problem with the electrical system, it will cause a fire. Were you able to contact a dealer? Also, where I live, there are "U-Pull It" salvage yards where you can go in, remove the part you need and get it for very cheap. Is there anything like that near you? All you would need to do is check for continunity. I would say one of these places may charge you about 1 or 2 dollars for the wiring.

Listen, check that out. If you have no luck, let me know. I live near Pittsburgh, PA. I will run to the local yard for you if you can't get one or contact the dealer for you. I could send it to you if you want to pay postage and the cost. I would just have to make sure they have one at the salvage yard and make sure it is good.

You let me know. If you have no luck, I'll try my best from my end. I also have a friend that works at the local Chrysler dealer. I'm confident that I can find one for you, and you seem like a really nice person so I don't mind doing it if it helps you.

Let me know.

Joe

Thanks for the help, I just ordered a few 9" pieces from Ebay...hopefully they will get here soon...$10 for 5 9" pieces should be enough if I screw one up...lol

I'm glad you found it. If you run into trouble, let me know and I'll be glad to help.

Again, thanks for using 2carpros.com and I wish you and your family a great new year!

Joe