Alternator & Regulator: Operation

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

Battery feed to SBEC
Alternator field control
Battery charging voltage (high and low)

If a problem is sensed in a monitored circuit, a fault code is stored in the SBEC's memory and the CHECK ENGINE light will be turned on (with a few exceptions). 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 reoccur .

For certain fault codes, 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.