I have a 99 dodge with a Cummins. During a winter snow storm, the truck
experienced an unusual problem. The charging rate (on the amp meter) jumped
to about 16 volts. This caused the head lights to brighten and the air bag
light and chime went off. This problem would cycle on and off
inconsistently. Once the air temperature was back to normal the trouble
disappeared. The dealer could find nothing except that there was a record of
an overcharging. I thought it was related to cold and wet conditions until
late Friday when it happened again. However, there was nothing related to
cold and wet. The problem is definitely inconsistent. This morning on the
short drive to the dealer, the amp meter jumped to over charge position
twice and the air bag light and chime went off. The moment I arrived at the
dealers lot, the charging rate returned to normal. They have never had such
a problem. My guess is it is related to whatever controls the charging. I
replaced the batteries after the first trouble, however, obviously that was
not the problem.
Has anyone had such a problem. Any suggestion on what module that I should
consider replacing?
Anyone have any idea how the charging system works as there is not voltage
regulator. Is there a relay somewhere. The dealer seems at a loss. any
thoughts would be appreciated.
> Anyone have any idea how the charging system works as there is not voltage
> regulator.
There is, but it's built into the PCM. The only other external sensor that
the PCM uses to regulate voltage is the battery temp. sensor, which is
located underneath the battery (not sure which side on a Cummins-powered
truck - most likely the driver's side battery).
Brian - 12 Feb 2006 05:52 GMT
Initially, it seemed related to temperature, as there was snow and rain.
Also, wondered if it could be related to the manifold heaters.
I will see if I can see anything related to the battery sensor. Batteries
and sensors sounds like corrosion. Dealers never suggested any solution
except come back when it is occurring.
>> Anyone have any idea how the charging system works as there is not
>> voltage regulator.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> is located underneath the battery (not sure which side on a
> Cummins-powered truck - most likely the driver's side battery).
Gary Glaenzer - 12 Feb 2006 15:02 GMT
manifold pre-heater cycling on and off ?
> Initially, it seemed related to temperature, as there was snow and rain.
> Also, wondered if it could be related to the manifold heaters.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> > is located underneath the battery (not sure which side on a
> > Cummins-powered truck - most likely the driver's side battery).
Nosey - 12 Feb 2006 06:12 GMT
>> Anyone have any idea how the charging system works as there is not
>> voltage regulator.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> sensor, which is located underneath the battery (not sure which side
> on a Cummins-powered truck - most likely the driver's side battery).
Yes, the temp sensor is on the bottom of the battery tray under the driver's
side battery. The passenger side tray doesn't have one.

Signature
Ken
Brian - 12 Feb 2006 06:45 GMT
I will check that sensor out thanks. Anyone know how much the PCM costs?
Where is it located exactly?
>>> Anyone have any idea how the charging system works as there is not
>>> voltage regulator.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Yes, the temp sensor is on the bottom of the battery tray under the
> driver's side battery. The passenger side tray doesn't have one.
Tom Lawrence - 12 Feb 2006 08:13 GMT
>I will check that sensor out thanks. Anyone know how much the PCM costs?
>Where is it located exactly?
Passenger-side firewall. Three big rectangular connectors going to it.
Dealer has it for around $600... EBay should be around half that. Be
careful looking around... you want the Dodge "P"CM, not the Cummins "E"CM
that mounts on the driver's side of the engine. It's the Powertrain Control
Module that handles the alternator output, the ECM just runs the engine.