91 Grand Voyager 3.3L code 41 Charging prob

I was traveling at night with the family over the holidays and had the tv hooked into the cig lighter and the tv went off and I got the check engine, battery, and check gages lights. I drove about 15 more miles and the car started bucking and the died.

I pulled the alternator and it tested good at 14.5 volts (parts store ran the test 3 times). I installed a new battery.

I got the battery charged and did not drive it for a couple of weeks.

I drove it for 20-30 minutes with the lights and wipers on and then it won't start again and the battery is dead(only at 90 CCA at parts store).

I got a code 41 last night after the battery was removed, charged, and installed and I drove it home. The parts store tested the system and it showed 'Not Charging'

Any ideas? Thanks for the help!

I also noticed that when I reconnect the battery I can hear a relay clicking thats located on the passenger side inner fender. Could this be a shutdown relay?

Any help would be appreciated.

I checked code 41 and it states:

Alternator field not switching properly.

An open or shorted condition detected in the alternator field control circuit.

It sounds like the Alternator is the cause. I recommend checking the Alternator again and replace if needed.


AutoPro

yes these alts do fail on an tntermittent base once connected try grabbing the field terminal block and pry it back and forth while monitoring the charging voltage this usually confirms alt issue

Sounds like a classic case for a needed alternator replacement. Sometimes the voltage tests ok when checked but the still have a problem after running for a while under load. Have a look at these posts:


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=419359&highlight=caravandrvr

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=398005

The voltage regulator is built into the computer. Probably needs a new computer.

I had the alternater checked again and it tested good. But, I changed it anyway and problem solved. Should have gone with my gut instinct the first time and saved $300.

Thanks for all the help!