Jeep Died...HELP

[Starboard M]

Ok, so tonight I was heading home, and as I started my Jeep, it took a little longer to start up. OK, no big deal. It happens sometimes. I tried to change the CD and it wouldn't eject. WTF, I'm getting pissed cause I've been listening to Offspring for what feels like a long time. So I start to drive and and my Jeep almost dies. Lights dim, engine is barely running. The CD player is off and I turn off the lights, and put on my parking lights. Bad idea I know, but there were no cars around. So I try to stagger home. Well, it takes about 200 yards to get up to 5 mph, and I just want to get home. Well, it finally dies on me about 1/2 a mile from my house. Aww, f***.... My lights and steering just go out. Engine shuts off, so I coast to a stop. Luckly I was on a curve so I could go strait and stop on the side of the road. Crash into a bush and sit. WTF...
So, I think that my alternator died out on me. I think it is the original and my Jeep is an 89 with 210k miles, so it has to be worn out. I tried starting it and nothing. The dash lights barely come on. So I'm out to see if I can jump it. If it is the alternator, and I jump it, will I be able to drive it the 1/2 mile home? And I'll have to replace my alternator so, are there any good aftermarket ones, or is a stock one good enough? TIA, and thanks for reading my rant. :bawl:

 

[FELIX]

Sounds like alt trouble. Also check, to see that you still have your drive belt. Do a good look over at first light, of all connections to battery, & alt.

Rob

 

[BrettM]

check the alternator connections, but a bad alternator isn't uncommon, especially at 210k miles. If you jump it, leave it connected to the other vehicle for a couple extra minutes and you'll be able to go 1/2 mile no problem. I just swapped my alternator today, takes just a few minutes, the biggest hassle is losening the belt. most part stores have a 66, 85, and 100 amp replacement, the 66 is fine if you're not running extra lights, big stereo, etc. make sure they have a good warranty. I got my 85A one from Kragen for $75 with a 3 year warranty

 

[Starboard M]

Got it home!! Yaaa.... OK, so for the tech, so in the future if I will be running lights, winch, etc, I sould get a 85 or 100 amps? What a fun way to start a summer...

 

[BrettM]

if you're thinking about a winch, I would definitely recommend 100A or better. normal parts stores will carry up to 100, but you can get more other places

 

[rugbyxj]

Mean Green makes a high output one that puts out about 140-220 (as advertised). I figure that this is a daily driver and you probably need one immediately. I know that Quadratec carries it for like 350 or so, i know a bit pricey but it is worth it if you are going to be running lights and a winch and everything.

 

[woody431]

http://www.4alterstart.com/pages/st...nators/searchresults.nhtml?searchfor=Cherokee


This maybe what you're looking for.

 

[RichP]

Might want to consider a nice new optima red top when you do the alternator as well as removing and cleaning all those heavy amp cables that are in there. I'd also start looking at all the ground straps, remove em, wire brush them, some dielectric grease and put em back on or put newer heavier ones on in their place.
Also if you have the normal halogen headlights in there get ready for them to go next, they for sure do not like being run at low voltage like a normal light.

 

[Starboard M]

I didn't have time to deal with my Jeep until now, and I tried to start it. Sure enough, it started right up. What's with this? Is it my conections? Is it just my alternator acting up. The battery light went on for a little bit, and then went out. What does that mean. Sorry about all the stupid questions.

 

[Starboard M]

Bump
This is driving me crazy. After cleaning all the conections it fired right up. Drove it around the block, and as I was pulling into the driveway it died. Hmm, was the batery semi charged and had enough juice to go around the block?