Alternator not charging

Hi,

When you say all the light are on, do you mean the basic dash illumination or are they warning lights?

If they are warning lights, scan the computer to see if there is a diagnostic trouble code that will help guide us. Also, let me know specifically what lights are staying on.

This guide will show you how to get the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I will watch for your reply. Here are the alternator wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. Take care, Joe

Hi,

I have a feeling that a wheel speed sensor is bad and is setting all the light on as well as causing issues with the speedometer. The wheel speed sensor certainly will cause the abs, traction control, speedometer and so on. The P0500 indicates what I just described. Next, the P061b is likely being set due to the 500.

As far as the low voltage, is the battery light staying on? Here is a simple test for checking voltage from the alternator. Try this and let me know what you find.

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

Try that test and let me know the results.

Now, for driving it to a dealership, is it still running okay? A wheel speed sensor itself won't damage anything but things like stability control, anti lock brakes and so on will not work. You won't lose brakes, you just lose the ABS function.

The only concern is the speedometer. Often times that will cause the transmission to not shift properly which can result in what is called limp mode. Basically, the vehicle will drive very slowly to get you to a safe place.

Let me know how it's running for you and what needs done at this point is the can bus system needs scanned. CAN stands for computer area network. I don't know if the parts store can do that. Here is a quick video showing how it's done and why it is a better way of scanning.

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Let me know if the vehicle can still be driven. If it can, I don't feel you will hurt anything. Also, let me know if it is 4wd and which engine is in it.

Take care,
Joe

Hi,

Both of those code have to do with engine speed and torque.
When a code P061B is stored, it means that the power-train control module (PCM) has detected an internal performance error in the engine torque monitoring system. Other controllers may also detect an internal PCM performance error (with the engine torque monitoring system) and contribute to a P061B being stored.
When a code P0500 is stored
Indicates the power-train control module (PCM) detected an error in the vehicle speed information. If the engine rpm is above the torque converter stall speed (automatic transmission) and engine load is high, it can be inferred that the vehicle must be moving. AutoZone said the alternator had low voltage? That would make sense cars these days are pretty sensitive to voltage and when it runs low strange things start to happen before total failure. You should replace the alternator if the one in there isn't putting out 13-13.5 volts.
Tom

Hello,

Low system voltage could be creating those other codes. Do nothing until you know you have good alternator output.
Tom

Hi,

As long as its output is 13.5 volts. Yes, used is fine.
Tom

Hi Sylvia,

If the current alt. Output at the battery, while the car is running, is low but not below 12 volts you should be fine. Just don't use any accessories meaning the radio or heat, stuff like that. If the voltage is below 12v while running it's probably too far gone to drive that distance or it's risky anyway.
Tom

Hello,

Okay, great. So now you know you have a good alternator and is charging fully. Has it made a difference? We're hoping so, but if not we will continue with the next things to be checking out. As for this plug in code scanner I haven't heard of that one specifically but they are these days making some that do plug into the data port and they Bluetooth to your phone. The quality varies between them. Send me a link and or a pic of one and I can review it to see if it's good or a waste.

Hello,

Don't worry, it will be okay. We can dig further into your system. Now we know it's not a low voltage causing you issue. You had no issues until you changed the battery. Is that correct? So currently we are looking at the speedometer not working and your dash lights are on? Which dash lights are on that aren't supposed to be?
Tom

Hi Sylvia,

In the mean time check the rest of the fuses in the other locations from the images I sent and I will review the circuits involved in your cars problem and be back in touch in the morning with how to move forward. My feeling is we are looking at a bad connection or something right around the battery that may have been disturbed during the battery change. See if you can get a fresh scan of the codes now too and let me know what comes up.
Tom