Alternator & Regulator: Operation

The SBEC monitors critical input to control the fuel injection, ignition, emission and other engine management functions. The engine controller has been programmed to monitor several charging system related circuits:

Battery feed to logic module controller
Alternator field control
Battery charging voltage (high and low)

The SBEC will store in memory any failures for the monitored circuits. If a problem is sensed with a monitored circuit, a fault code is stored in the engine controller's memory. Fault codes can be read using the CHECK ENGINE light or with the Chrysler Diagnostic Readout Box-II (DRB-II).

NOTE: Fault codes remain in memory for 50 engine starts. Fault is erased from memory if failure does not occur again.

For certain fault codes, the check engine light will illuminate and engine controller will enter limp-in mode. In limp-in mode, engine controller attempts to compensate for particular component failure by substituting information from other sources. This allows vehicle operation until proper repairs are made.