97 Montero LS charging system
#1
05-31-2009, 08:58 AM
97 Montero LS charging system
Good morning,
I just purchased a 97 Montero to replace the 1996 that my son crashed into t tree on Merorial Day. It is in great shape with 143,000 on the clock. The charging gauge went from indicating just below 14 when driving at around 2500 rpm all the way to the right. THe A/T light and Brake warning came on very dim as well as the battery warning and the compass gauge would dim and come back. The tack would also cut out and drop zero then return to the running RPM moments later. I checked the battery and one cell was in need of alot of water so I pulled the battery out of the crashed 96 Montero and put it in the 97. With my volt meter the battery read 12.5 V and when I started the engine it jumped to 18.35V on my hand held volt meter. checking inside the truck all was the same as before. Volt Gauge slammed to the right, battery warning light on, A/T light lit dim not full brightness, brake light lit dim and the tack will cut in and out as well as the compass.
Any thoughts out there in Montero land?
Thanks
I just purchased a 97 Montero to replace the 1996 that my son crashed into t tree on Merorial Day. It is in great shape with 143,000 on the clock. The charging gauge went from indicating just below 14 when driving at around 2500 rpm all the way to the right. THe A/T light and Brake warning came on very dim as well as the battery warning and the compass gauge would dim and come back. The tack would also cut out and drop zero then return to the running RPM moments later. I checked the battery and one cell was in need of alot of water so I pulled the battery out of the crashed 96 Montero and put it in the 97. With my volt meter the battery read 12.5 V and when I started the engine it jumped to 18.35V on my hand held volt meter. checking inside the truck all was the same as before. Volt Gauge slammed to the right, battery warning light on, A/T light lit dim not full brightness, brake light lit dim and the tack will cut in and out as well as the compass.
Any thoughts out there in Montero land?
Thanks
Last edited by Minoxman; 05-31-2009 at 09:11 AM.
#2
05-31-2009, 09:20 AM
While I wait for a reply I think that I will pull the new Mitsu alternator out of the crashed 96 Montero and put it in the 97 3.5L. I think the same alternator with swap. While I'm at it I'll pull that new Mitsu Harmonic balancer ($300.00) out of the crashed 96 as well. That was just replaced 3 day before it was wrecked, for a total of (4) harmonic balancers in its 226,000.0 mile life. (1) Factory recall (2 and 3) the Mitsu Tech at my local dealer used an impact driver on the bolt on full air supply and stressed the bolt to the point where everything fell off while driving in traffic.
Oh well! I wonder it the new water pump can be used on the new 97?
Oh well! I wonder it the new water pump can be used on the new 97?
#3
05-31-2009, 10:45 AM
You sound like a knowledgeable person when it comes to doing your own repairs. To me it sounds like the charge system is becoming "unloaded" (The battery is not providing a load on the alternator) or you have a bad voltage regulator. I can't tell you where to look for that happening .. maybe a mod or Montero owner can point you in a more specific direction.
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