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2006 Commander alternator issues

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17K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  vjsimone 
#1 ·
Guys I need some help. I am in the UK and have a 2006 Commander, 3.0L CRD. I have had what was believed to be an faulty alternator - and had it replaced. 3 days later I have again the same fault. The EMS indicated that I should have my parking aid serviced, then the transmission. I parked up last night and this morning I can not get the Commander started - neither with jump crds or a booster pack - engine just keeps turning till no power at all.

Is there other possible causes for a problem that "looks like" an alternator fault. Could it be that the power is leaking out or a management system issue.

I look forward to any advise.
 
#4 ·
If the engine turns over no problem but doesnt start, and then eventually the battery dies, it's not the battery. If the battery was bad, the engine mostlikely wouldn't turn over at all. Or if it did, it would turn over just a few cranks and then stop. Also if the battery is dead, you normally hear clicking noises when you try to start the engine. Another thing, if the battery is dead, you should still be able to jump that vehicle from another vehicle as long as you let the battery get enough charge.

I also dont think your alternator is bad. The main purpose of the alternator is to keep the battery charged. If the vehicle will crank over several times but wont start, then its something else. A symptom of a bad alternator would be a dead battery and when you jump the vehicle and drive it for a while and turn the vehicle off, the alternator wont charge the battery properly and then the vehicle wont start again. Resulting in you needing to jump the vehicle again. Also if your driving around and the alternator isnt working, your basically running straight off the batterty and eventually it will die leaving you stranded.

It sounds to me like you have a different issues. Well thats if the vehicle cranks over but doesnt start like you stated.
 
#5 ·
That sounds spot on. When I drive the vehicle I get intermitted faults messages and the vehicle seems to shut down one component after another i.e heated seats, then parking sensor, radio etc. When I park up the vehicle has full power and all dash & instruments lights work. Only when I start the vehicle engine turns but it odes not start - eventually it drains all power leaving only a clicking noise. Even though starting fails, all electronics works - central locking, seats etc.

Could it be a faulty ECU?
 
#6 · (Edited)
The EMS indicated that I should have my parking aid serviced, then the transmission. I parked up last night and this morning I can not get the Commander started - neither with jump crds or a booster pack - engine just keeps turning till no power at all.
This sounds like the bad shift selector module in the transmission, that was in another thread. I'm a Commander Newb, but knowledgeable on vehicle in general.

I don't know much about this failure, but saw another thread recently where someone was having problems starting, and getting fault codes for the Back-Up/Parking Asssit NOT working. Turned out to be the shift selector module for the electronic transmission that had to be replaced.

My guess, when the selector modules fails it sends all the interlocks for shifting in the transmission crazy, since the interlocks would tie through that module. i.e. the Back-Up/Park Assist system thinks you've shifted into reverse when your NOT, the ignition interlock to start the motor thinks your NOT in park and Neutral, when you are, and won't let the motor start.

Pure guess, but do a search for the thread, might be the problem.

Hopefully its under warranty, because I think the module and labor to replace it is expensive.

-OR-

Maybe its us Yanks, getting back at the British for making cars with such unreliable electrical systems all these years. Joking, we love the Brits and love many of your cars, but we are warry of the reputation for electric problems.
 
#7 ·
Honestly, im not exactly sure what the problem would be. Maybe robby or someone with a little more knowledge on that will chime in. But I really dont think its the alternator or that battery.
 
#11 ·
Well, since it is a diesel, I would surmise the crank or cam sensor is not sending information to the ECM, causing the injectors to not get a pulse signal......or, if it is below freezing, the glow plugs (assuming it has them) may not be pre heating.

But since I am guessing, the ECM itself may have a fault.
You may get better answers from a Grand Cherokee forum as this engine was a available option here in the U.S.
It also was available in the Liberty.....that might be called Cherokee (not a Grand) in your neck of the woods.

Based on your description I doubt if the battery or alternator have a problem.....gonna be injection system related.

Good luck,
Rob
 
#12 ·
There is a current thread going on right now. One of the members installed HID lights incorrectly, which caused his Jeep not to start. He also got a transmission error. He had it towed into his dealer, and he posted that all it was, was a blown fuse! I'm not saying this is the issue, but it can't help to check all of your fuses. Darn computers! :eek:rangehat:
 
#13 · (Edited)
Have you checked for fault codes in the EVIC. Its possible that this feature is NOT included on export models, but in the U.S. Chrysler vehicles will report all the stored fault codes in the ECM (PCM). You have to do a procedure called the key dance.

Turn the ignition key from locked to on 3 times, as fast as you can, stopping at on. "ON" means ignition on, NOT actually cranking or starting the motor.

"LOCK-ON-LOCK-ON-LOCK-ON" in less than 3 seconds, wait and the EVIC display will report any stored fault codes. You can find the meaning of the codes on the internet, even this site.

I would still investigate the threads about the Transmission Shift Select Module. You get a problem with the Rear Park Assist at the same time you have starting problems, according to those threads, it appears to me, when the Trans Shift Select Module goes bad, it sends everything interlocked to what mode the transmission is in, haywire. The Park Assist and Engine Start are tied into what you shift the gear into. Don't know if its the problem, but it sounds like its worth investigating to me.
 
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