Featured (High output) Alternator installation 1996 jeep Cherokee

[Alex Leslie]

I am trying to install a high output alternator on my 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The issue i ran into is that the stock alternator has some sort of voltage regulator on it that connects to the pcm to regulate voltage rather than a 2 prong clip. the new alternator came with a 2 prong clip with 2 wires. I’m not sure how to go about wiring it up or if I need a new voltage regulator or what. I can’t find anything online about it. the alternator is a js alternators 1991-1998 jeep Cherokee L6 4.0L high output alternator. The 320 amp to be exact. I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge on the subject that could be helpful? I will attach some photos of the current alternator and the new one and some wiring for references. Thanks to anyone who can help.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

I am trying to install a high output alternator on my 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The issue i ran into is that the stock alternator has some sort of voltage regulator on it that connects to the pcm to regulate voltage rather than a 2 prong clip. the new alternator came with a 2 prong clip with 2 wires. I’m not sure how to go about wiring it up or if I need a new voltage regulator or what. I can’t find anything online about it. the alternator is a js alternators 1991-1998 jeep Cherokee L6 4.0L high output alternator. The 320 amp to be exact. I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge on the subject that could be helpful? I will attach some photos of the current alternator and the new one and some wiring for references. Thanks to anyone who can help.

When installing a high-output alternator on your 1996 Jeep Cherokee, it's essential to ensure proper wiring and functionality.

### Key Points to Consider:

1. **Voltage Regulator**:
- The stock alternator likely has an internal voltage regulator that interfaces with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Your new alternator may use a different type of voltage regulation, probably requiring a direct connection.

2. **Wiring the New Alternator**:
- Since the new alternator has a 2-prong connector, you will need to identify the purpose of those two wires. Generally:
- One wire is for the "exciter" signal (to turn the alternator on).
- The other usually connects to a voltage sensing terminal.

3. **Adapter Harness**:
- You may need or can create an adapter harness that connects the stock wiring to the new alternator's connector. Ensure you understand the wiring diagram provided with the new alternator to connect the wires correctly.

4. **Consult Documentation**:
- It looks like you received a paper with diagrams. Following those diagrams can be crucial to ensure proper wiring.

5. **Voltage Regulator Option**:
- You may need to bypass the PCM if the new alternator does not require it. This often involves connecting the exciter wire directly to the battery or another source that gives it a signal to function.

6. **Testing After Installation**:
- Once installed, test the voltage output with a multimeter to ensure that the alternator is functioning correctly.

### Steps to Wire:
1. **Disconnect the Battery**: Always disconnect the battery before working with the electrical system.
2. **Remove Old Alternator**: Take out the old alternator, noting how everything is connected.
3. **Connect the New Alternator**:
- Follow the wiring diagram, ensuring the two-prong connector connects to appropriate wires.
4. **Reconnect Battery**: Once everything is in place, reconnect the battery.
5. **Start the Vehicle**: Check for any warning lights and test the electrical accessories.

### Final Thoughts:
If you're unsure about any step in this process, consulting with a professional or a specific Jeep forum for detailed advice is a good idea, especially for custom wiring like this.

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

I am trying to install a high output alternator on my 1996 Jeep Cherokee. The issue i ran into is that the stock alternator has some sort of voltage regulator on it that connects to the pcm to regulate voltage rather than a 2 prong clip. the new alternator came with a 2 prong clip with 2 wires. I’m not sure how to go about wiring it up or if I need a new voltage regulator or what. I can’t find anything online about it. the alternator is a js alternators 1991-1998 jeep Cherokee L6 4.0L high output alternator. The 320 amp to be exact. I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge on the subject that could be helpful? I will attach some photos of the current alternator and the new one and some wiring for references. Thanks to anyone who can help.

My friend I wish I could remember more because I added an H.O. alternator to my 1995. That plug on the stock U shaped connector... I wanna say has something to do with the field coil... don't quote me. If I remember I cut off that U shaped connector which leaves 2 wires if you peal back the sheathing/tape. I believe I connected those to the wires on the new alternator. It still used the voltage regulator that I believe is IN the ECU on ZJ. Mine was the 4.0L.

Please double check before you cut wires and if you do, leave extra on the connector you cut off in case you have to put it back to stock.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

Did you try following the directions you posted?

 

[Alex Leslie]

Did you try following the directions you posted?

Did you read the directions? It’s referring to the stock alternator having a plug to plug into the new adapter which it does not. I obv wouldn’t be on the forum if it was that easy, but thanks for your input.

 

[Alex Leslie]

My friend I wish I could remember more because I added an H.O. alternator to my 1995. That plug on the stock U shaped connector... I wanna say has something to do with the field coil... don't quote me. If I remember I cut off that U shaped connector which leaves 2 wires if you peal back the sheathing/tape. I believe I connected those to the wires on the new alternator. It still used the voltage regulator that I believe is IN the ECU on ZJ. Mine was the 4.0L.

Please double check before you cut wires and if you do, leave extra on the connector you cut off in case you have to put it back to stock.

Thanks man that helps a lot I’ll definitely look into that. My worry is the new alternator not being compatible with the current voltage regulator and then my voltage is all over the place but I’ll check it out!

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

Thanks man that helps a lot I’ll definitely look into that. My worry is the new alternator not being compatible with the current voltage regulator and then my voltage is all over the place but I’ll check it out!

I remember that the stock Jeep regulator did fine with an aftermarket HO alternator.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

Did you read the directions? It’s referring to the stock alternator having a plug to plug into the new adapter which it does not. I obv wouldn’t be on the forum if it was that easy, but thanks for your input.

Do you know how many people come on here and clearly haven't read directions? Have you contacted the seller about the missing adapter? If you can't get the adapter, then just follow the directions but cut the wires rather than use the adapter.

 

[Alex Leslie]

Do you know how many people come on here and clearly haven't read directions? Have you contacted the seller about the missing adapter? If you can't get the adapter, then just follow the directions but cut the wires rather than use the adapter.

Okay first of all if you would’ve read those same directions you told me to read and looked at the stock alternator picture I sent then you would see that they don’t apply because there is no plug on the stock alternator. I’m sure people do post on here without reading instructions but you can’t assume all do. And the adapter is not missing. There is no direct adapter in existence between the two. With just cutting the wires you could run into problems with the voltage not regulating properly due to the stock alternator having an internal voltage regulator and the aftermarket not having one. The aftermarket alternator would require some external voltage regulator to regulate voltage because I’m pretty sure the pcm won’t work for regulating the voltage. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.

 

[Jimi77 5,000+ posts]

Okay first of all if you would’ve read those same directions you told me to read and looked at the stock alternator picture I sent then you would see that they don’t apply because there is no plug on the stock alternator. I’m sure people do post on here without reading instructions but you can’t assume all do. And the adapter is not missing. There is no direct adapter in existence between the two. With just cutting the wires you could run into problems with the voltage not regulating properly due to the stock alternator having an internal voltage regulator and the aftermarket not having one. The aftermarket alternator would require some external voltage regulator to regulate voltage because I’m pretty sure the pcm won’t work for regulating the voltage. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.

I'd double check a Jeep forum to be safe, but 99% sure the OEM alt is internally regulated. Is that aftermarket alternator internally regulated?