2013-2016 Dodge Dart Alternator: Solving Electrical Gremlins, Charging Issues, and Replacement

Symptoms of a Failing Dodge Dart Alternator

Alternator failure on the Dodge Dart can be sudden, but it often provides warning signs. Many owners describe these issues as 'electrical gremlins' that can be difficult to diagnose. Pay close attention to the following symptoms, as they often point to a problem with the alternator or the charging system.

• Battery Warning Light: The most obvious sign is a red battery-shaped icon illuminating on your dashboard. This light indicates that the vehicle's charging system is not operating correctly, and the car is running on battery power alone.
• Dimming or Flickering Lights: Headlights that dim at idle and brighten when you rev the engine are a classic sign of a weak alternator. You may also notice the interior dome lights or dashboard backlighting flickering.
• Whining or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched whine that changes with engine RPM often points to failing bearings inside the alternator. A grinding noise can also indicate a worn-out bearing or an issue with the alternator's pulley.
• Slow or Malfunctioning Electronics: If your power windows are slow to operate, your radio cuts out, or the instrument cluster behaves erratically, it can be due to the inconsistent voltage supplied by a failing alternator.
• Dead Battery or Frequent Jump-Starts: The alternator is responsible for recharging the battery. If the alternator is bad, the battery will not be recharged as you drive, leading to a no-start condition. If you find yourself needing to jump-start the car frequently, the alternator is a likely culprit.
• Stalling Engine: The fuel injection and ignition systems require a steady supply of electricity. If the alternator isn't providing enough power, the spark plugs may not fire correctly, causing the engine to stall while driving.

Is It the Alternator, Battery, or Something Else?

The symptoms of a bad alternator and a bad battery can be very similar. Before replacing parts, perform this simple test with a multimeter:

1. With the engine off, connect the multimeter to your battery terminals. A healthy, fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts.
2. Start the engine. With the alternator running and charging the system, the voltage at the battery terminals should increase to approximately 14.0 to 14.5 volts.
3. If the voltage stays near 12.6V or drops while the engine is running, the alternator is likely not charging. If the engine-off voltage is below 12V, the battery may be bad and unable to hold a charge.

Buying a Used Alternator for Your Dodge Dart

A used OEM alternator can be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to expensive new parts, especially when compared to cheap, low-quality aftermarket units. Here’s what to look for when buying a used alternator for your 2013-2016 Dart.

1. Verify Compatibility and Amperage

Note that the 1.4L Turbo engine uses a completely different alternator and is not compatible.

2. Physical Inspection

When inspecting a used alternator, check the following:

• Pulley: Spin the pulley by hand. It should spin smoothly and quietly. Any grinding noise or roughness indicates bad bearings. Check the pulley grooves for damage. The Dart uses a decoupler pulley, which should have a slight one-way clutch action.
• Housing: Inspect the aluminum case for any cracks, heavy corrosion, or signs of being dropped.
• Connectors: Ensure the electrical connector pins are straight and clean. Check that the main power stud and its threads are not damaged.
• Signs of Contamination: Look for signs of oil or coolant that may have leaked onto the alternator from a faulty gasket or hose above it. Fluid contamination is a common cause of premature alternator failure.

3. Mileage Considerations

While there is no exact lifespan, alternator failure is common on vehicles over 100,000 miles. Some Dart owners have reported issues at lower mileages, between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. When buying used, look for a part from a lower-mileage vehicle (ideally under 80,000 miles) to ensure a longer service life.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

There are no recalls specifically for the alternator on the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart. However, several related issues are important for owners to be aware of.

• Recall 19V-293 / 25V674 (Shifter Cable Bushing): A widespread recall was issued because the transmission shifter cable bushing could fail, preventing the vehicle from being secured in 'Park'. This could lead to a rollaway risk.
• TSB 18-023-16 (PCM Updates): Multiple Technical Service Bulletins were released to update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. These updates address a wide range of issues including rough idle, false diagnostic codes, and general drivability improvements for the 2.4L engine.
• TSB 09-003-23 (Oil Consumption): Some 2.4L engines may experience excessive oil consumption. This can lead to low oil levels, which can cause the engine to stall, a symptom that can sometimes be mistaken for an electrical issue.

Replacement Overview & Torque Specs

Replacing the alternator on a 2.0L or 2.4L Dart is a moderately difficult job that a skilled DIYer can perform. The alternator is located on the front of the engine.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• DIY Feasible: Yes

Key Steps:

1. Disconnect the Battery: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal first to prevent electrical shorts.
2. Access: The job is typically done from both the top of the engine bay and from underneath. You will need to raise the vehicle and remove the passenger-side front wheel and the inner fender splash shield.
3. Remove Serpentine Belt: Using a 16mm wrench on the belt tensioner, rotate it to release tension and slip the serpentine belt off the alternator pulley.
4. Engine Mount (2.4L): For the 2.4L engine, there is very little clearance. The common procedure is to support the engine from below with a jack and a block of wood, then remove the upper engine torque mount (dogbone mount) to allow the engine to be shifted slightly for access.
🎬 Watch this step-by-step 2.4L alternator replacement walkthrough.
5. Unbolt Alternator: Disconnect the main power wire (13mm nut) and the electrical plug. Remove the mounting bolts (typically 1/2" or 13mm).
6. Installation and Torque: Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the alternator mounting bolts to **18 ft-lbs (24 Nm)**.

Cost Comparison

Prices for a 2013-2016 Dodge Dart alternator can vary significantly based on the source.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)