[dremex]

Hey guys,

First time posting on this forum but after reading an answer to a question that had been boggling me for ages I figured you guys might be able to help me with another:

Last week while in Moab we noticed that the radio would cut out for a second or two whenever the cooling fan started or stopped. This happened frequently for a few hours and then it wouldn't happen as frequent. Now back in town I can go days without it happening but yesterday while sitting in traffic the fan kicked off and the radio died like in Moab.

Have any of you guys heard of this happening before? I'll probably take it into the dealer but I'm wondering if it's maybe a battery problem or something deeper.

Thanks!

 

[bodyguy]

I would guess a voltage regulator or alternator problem. Might be causing a spike or surge however you want to say it.

 

[dremex]

hmm, anything I can throw onto a lead to test it or pull a code? Guess I'll call up the dealership, just afraid that if I can't get it to manifest itself while I'm there they'll turn me away, any proof I can get would help out.

 

[mcnaught6]

most automotive parts stores (i know o'reilly's does) will check your electrical system for free. i don't know that they can check for a voltage regulator, but they can check the alternator.

or you can do it yourself with a voltmeter.

do the lights dim or anything else cut out, or is it just the radio?

 

[dremex]

At first I couldn't tell because it was day but last night I had the headlights on for my drive home and it did it again while sitting a light and I noticed my headlights dim and then go back to normal again with the radio. All my dash lights stay the same however.

 

[bodyguy]

At first I couldn't tell because it was day but last night I had the headlights on for my drive home and it did it again while sitting a light and I noticed my headlights dim and then go back to normal again with the radio. All my dash lights stay the same however.

It still sounds like an alternator or voltage regulator problem, dash light require fewer amps

 

[kerryp]

could be the fan motor, it might be out of specs and when it fires up its pulling too many amps and causing a temprary overload until the voltage regulator can compensate for it?

 

[brokenleaf]

I noticed when winching, sometimes my radio shuts off. I understand that the JK has a failsafe mode (regulated by the TIPM) that shuts off non-essential accessories when a significant voltage drop occurs. I am still running the crappy stock battery so I am not surprised that winching is causing a voltage drop due to massive amount of current drawn. Point being that you might have a battery / charging issue. How old is your battery? You could easily measure the voltage when the fan starts while your lights, etc are turned on.
Jeff