[KO - 2013 Jeep Wrangler]

So my 2013 jeep wouldn’t start the other day and during jumping it, I noticed that the positive cable going into the alternator is melted. It’s getting so hot that it’s melted the foam on the engine cover. Plus it’s making a loud whining noise. battery was bought within the year so I doubt it’s that.
See pics

 

[snout]

Welcome to JKO. As an FYI I deleted your reply to that old thread because you have it covered here in a new thread. This will get you the best visibility and help. Again, welcome!

update:
do you run any power hungry aftermarket items like lighting, a sub or winch?

 

[White Elemant]

It does look like the alternator itself is running hot, bearing failure, internal short or something of that sort maybe.

 

[Jeep Momma]

So my 2013 jeep wouldn’t start the other day and during jumping it, I noticed that the positive cable going into the alternator is melted. It’s getting so hot that it’s melted the foam on the engine cover. Plus it’s making a loud whining noise. battery was bought within the year so I doubt it’s that.
See pics

Do you have anything electrical added to your Jeep, like a winch or off road lights?

I have seen this in other Jeeps. Wires just melted. Jeeps coming off the factory floor are not typically equipped for all the extra load. I am not good with all the electrical terms or the exact why's but I have seen it in person. Check out Jeep Cables dot com. A great upgrade for your Jeep especially if you have aftermarket add ons.

 

[Jeep Momma]

And.....

Welcome to JKO

 

[White13JKUR]

Welcome to JKO.

update:
do you run any power hungry aftermarket items like lighting, a sub or winch?

Do you have anything electrical added to your Jeep, like a winch or off road lights?

Welcome to JKO

 

[Jeep Momma]

Glad you got a good laugh! It is pretty funny. I didn't see the previous posts. But if you want to call me a Copy Cat I am good with that. Lesson Learned!

I actually did a YouTube video on a 2008 Wrangler that burned up some wires on his winch and the grounding wire in the Jeep. You could see the color change in the alternator as well. Which what I am told that color change is the alternator working too hard. I think it's starts turning a gray color if I remember right. The factory wiring in the Jeep are those tiny wires not like the aftermarket ones at Jeep cables.

 

[Rubi_Red]

Make sure nut is very tight on battery post on alternator. If loose, it can cause it to get hot.

 

[KO - 2013 Jeep Wrangler]

So my 2013 jeep wouldn’t start the other day and during jumping it, I noticed that the positive cable going into the alternator is melted. It’s getting so hot that it’s melted the foam on the engine cover. Plus it’s making a loud whining noise. battery was bought within the year so I doubt it’s that.
See pics View attachment 366625
No winch. Just a radio and speaker. But I have had that since 2013. I changed the alternator and serpentine belt and it seems to be better. I had the alternator tested. Pass, Fail , Pass. It sounded really bad so I am hoping that was it.