Charging Problem Please Help!

[93EddieBauer]

I am having a hard time figuring this one out. I have a 93 Ex. 4x4 with 4.0L and an automatic. When I drive it with the lights on for about 5 to 10 minutes, my alternator stops charging and my volts gauge reads about 10 volts or so. This only happens when I have the lights on, never with them off. The alternator is good because I tried a new one and it still did the same thing. I also replaced the positive cable on the battery and nothing changed. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thanks.

 

[94EBexplorer]

hum... i dont know much about this but could this be the voltage regulator? funny... i do all the work on my X and i suck when it comes to the computer end of the stuff... or maybe i just dont have that kinda paticence....

 

[93EddieBauer]

The voltage regulator was replaced along with the alternator. I'm thinking it's somewhere in the lighting system since it only does it when the lights are on. I just noticed yesterday that when I shut off the lights it will start to charge again after a couple of minutes.

 

[Alec]

It could be the headlight switch, a loose wire harness, or frayed wires. I'd check the back of the headlight switch. There are threads on this site on how to remove it. Good luck!

 

[93EddieBauer]

I replaced it already. My next attempt at a fix is to replace the wiring harness for the alternator. I picked one up from the salvage yard a few days ago.