Questions and Answers

Dodge Neon Code 41 Q. I e-mailed you before about my neon and I suggested the fuel filter was the problem so I replaced it but that wasn't the problem. My neon does say the code 41 which is "generator field not switching properly" what does this mean? When I drive my car it feels like it floods every once in awhile so I'm thinking it's either the fuel injectors or something to do with the spark, but I'm not certain.

The other night I was driving around and it started doing the hesitation and almost dying on me but I could feather the gas and could run at that rpm without any problems but and more or less gas and problems would occur resulting in below normal idling (500 rpm) so that lead to a lot of vibration and the idle control valve opens making a loud air vacuum noise. I don't know what the problem is so any help would be appreciated. 1995 Dodge Neon, 2.0 SOHC, 120,000 miles, manual transmission.

Thank you for you help,
Chris

A. Okay, code 41 is "Generator Field Not Switching Properly".

This trouble code sets when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) tries to regulate the generator field with no result during monitoring.

The PCM tries to maintain a system voltage between 12.9 volts and 15.0 volts. The voltage determined by the PCM as the final goal for the charging system is called "control" voltage. This control voltage is determined from the battery temperature sensor for ambient sensor and the sensed voltage system voltage at PCM pin #11.

The control voltage is compared to the sensed voltage continuously during running. If the sensed voltage is less than the control voltage, the PCM will supply more ground to the field circuit. If the sensed voltage is more than the control voltage, the PCM will supply less ground to the field circuit.

There are three possible causes for this, the field driver circuit open or shorted, there is an alternator internal open or short os a PCM failure