1997 Jeep Wrangler Alternator Question

[Dees97]

I have a 1997 jeep wrangler sport with the 4.0 engine. I bought it with a external regulator. It is charging but the check gage light comes on now and then. The volt meter drops yo 0 but it shows to be charging when I check it with a vom.
On the back of the alternator where the field wires go there look to be a regulator, black plastic part with "C4" stamped on it.
My question is do I need to remove that then reinstall the wires yo the remote mounted regulator.
I will post a few pictures of the back of alternator.
Thanks in advance for any help or explanation.

 

[Chris]

I have a 1997 jeep wrangler sport with the 4.0 engine. I bought it with a external regulator. It is charging but the check gage light comes on now and then. The volt meter drops yo 0 but it shows to be charging when I check it with a vom.
On the back of the alternator where the field wires go there look to be a regulator, black plastic part with "C4" stamped on it.
My question is do I need to remove that then reinstall the wires yo the remote mounted regulator.
I will post a few pictures of the back of alternator.
Thanks in advance for any help or explanation.

View attachment 638716

The "C4" component you're seeing on the back of the alternator is likely part of the internal wiring connected with the field circuits.

Since you have an external regulator, you'll want to make sure that the internal components of the alternator are compatible with that regulator. Typically, when switching to an external regulator, you can leave the internal regulator (the "C4" part) in place, but you'll need to wire the external regulator correctly to avoid any conflicts.

Here’s a general approach:

1. Always start by disconnecting the battery to avoid any shorts.
2. Make sure the wiring going to your external regulator is correctly connected. Check for any loose or corroded connections.
3. If you haven’t already, it might be helpful to refer to the wiring diagram for your Jeep model to ensure everything is properly connected.
4. Some folks have found better performance after removing the internal regulator when running an external setup, but this isn’t always necessary. If you do remove it, be sure to properly seal any openings to avoid moisture intrusion.
5. Sometimes, a poor ground can cause fluctuating readings. Ensure that your alternator ground is solid.
6. After re-wiring and ensuring everything is secure, reconnect the battery and check if the issue with the check gauge light persists.

In your case, since the voltage meter drops to 0 intermittently, it might also point to a faulty connection or a failing alternator. If problems continue, consider having your alternator tested, as intermittent failures can be tricky.