1996 cherokee charging system

I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, 4.0 with auto. Just the other day I started it and the GEN light was on and the charging gauage was way low (like 9 volts)
I stepped on the gas and reved the engine and the light went out and the gauge went back to 14 volt... and stayed there.. I turned it off and started it a few more times and it was normal... today i started it and it did it again... GEN light on and gage way low, hit the gas and it was fine


About 2 months ago I treated her to a new battery... and two years ago she was treated to new factory cables and wires...

Does anyone have an idea what might cause this problem? and how to fix it? is it the alt starting to go bad?

thank you in advance for your help


140k

Hmm... Could be. I'm no alternator guru or anything. Don't places like Advance and Auto Zone do alternator checks for free? Worth a shot ehh...

It sound's like either the belt's slipping, the alt's bearings are going out, or another internal component of the alt. Best thing to do if you have another vehicle is pull the alt and battery and take them up there outside of the vehicle to be tested individually. When they test the charging system in the vehicle it basically tests the voltage and charging current. When you pull the alt and battery check all cables for corrosion, and check grounds to make sure they are good. Don't forget to check the ground strap in the back of the engine to the firewall too, and while you're in there inspect your belt to see if it's in good condition as it might be needing replacement.