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My 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee started beeping and telling me to check the battery. So I had the car tested and it said the voltage regulator was bad.

The voltage regulator on these Jeeps are in the PCM, so I had to bypass it with another external voltage regulator rather than replacing the $200 PCM.

Now that I have replaced the regulator, and gotten a new battery, the voltage gauge is going all over the place. But when tested, the battery is being charged by the alternator at a perfect amount.

Now overnight the battery is being drained somewhere and dying. I don't know if it could be the new external voltage regulator or a shortage.

Hᴇʀʙɪᴇ
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Brady walling
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2 Answers2

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Certainly the issue would probably have to do with the last change made to the system. I'm sure this doesn't escape you.

You will need to test for parasitic drain if you want to nail the issue down. If you are unfamiliar with using a multimeter, here is a general howto on it's use and various functions.

Multimeter - Basic Functionality and Howto

Here is an QA on tracking down parasitic draw.

How to track down an intermittent battery drain?

A trick I used to use decades ago is mentioned in the article above. Use a flashlight bulb in between your battery and ground cable. If it lights up, you have some draw. A multimeter is much more precise though.

This certainly doesn't completely answer your question but I hope it assists you troubleshooting your issue.

Best of luck.

Community
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DucatiKiller
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Install a relay switch between the battery and voltage regulator and run the power wire to the relay through an accessory item like the radio so the regulator is only getting power when the ignition switch is on.. I just got through doing all of that on my 2003 dodge grand caravan

richard
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