P0622 on Dodge: How to Diagnose & Fix
Generator Field "F" Terminal Control Circuit
1 Dodge model · 3 documented issues · 2 critical · $10-$2,400 repair
P0622 on Dodge by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Dodge Challenger has two distinct, well-documented power-steering complaints on the pre-2015 LC/LX-platform cars, and both are flagged by RepairPal as common problems (MotorBiscuit lists "a loud power steering system" among the four most-reported Challenger issues). FIRST, a HYDRAULIC NOISE: owners hear a honk, hiss, groan, or whine from the steering during low-speed parking-lot maneuvers, worst when turning the wheel toward full lock. RepairPal documents this as a recognized concern on 2008-2012 Challengers; Chrysler addressed it with TSB 19-005-10 ("Steering Gear Honk, Hiss or Groan During Low Speed Parking Lot Maneuvers," superseding 19-003-09), which traces the noise to the power-steering return hose and, in some cases, the steering gear (rack). Fluid aeration, a low or contaminated fluid level, and worn pump vanes/bearings produce the same groan/whine. SECOND, an ASSIST-LOSS failure on EHPS cars: 2011-2014 Challengers with the 3.6L Pentastar or 5.7L HEMI use an electro-hydraulic power-steering (EHPS) pump that depends on the charging system. Under NHTSA recall 17V-435 (Chrysler recall T36, ~442,214 vehicles across Challenger/Charger/300/Durango/Grand Cherokee), the alternator can suffer diode thermal fatigue specifically because of the cyclical electrical loads the EHPS pump imposes; when the diodes fail, system voltage drops, the EHPS pump shuts down, the steering goes heavy, and the vehicle can stall without warning (failed diodes can also short and cause heat/smoke/fire). Note the engine/fluid split: 3.6L/5.7L EHPS cars require Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid, while the conventional hydraulic SRT8/392 (6.1L/6.4L) and base V6 systems use ATF+4 — using the wrong fluid causes noise, seal damage, and pump failure. This entry is distinct from the later electronic-EPS-rack failure on the 2015+ refreshed Challenger (recalls S19/16V-167 and VB8/19V-812), which is a different rack design and root cause.
Common Symptoms
- Honk, hiss, or groan from the steering during low-speed parking-lot maneuvers (worst near full lock)
- Whining noise from the power-steering pump that rises with engine RPM or when turning
- Heavy/hard steering at low speed
- Sudden loss of power-steering assist (EHPS cars) accompanied by a charging-system or voltage warning
- Vehicle stalls without warning (alternator diode failure on EHPS cars)
- Burning smell, smoke, or smell of electrical heat from the engine bay (failed alternator diodes shorting)
- Foamy or low power-steering fluid
How to Fix
For the low-speed honk/hiss/groan: start cheap. Verify the power-steering fluid level and condition and use the CORRECT fluid for your system — Mopar Electric Power Steering Fluid for 3.6L/5.7L EHPS cars, ATF+4 for conventional hydraulic SRT8/392 (6.1L/6.4L) and base hydraulic systems. A fluid flush/bleed to purge trapped air often quiets the noise (DIY fluid is ~$5-10/qt, ~2 qt; shop fluid service starts around $111). If the noise persists, follow TSB 19-005-10 and replace the power-steering RETURN HOSE first; if that does not cure it, the steering gear (rack and pinion) is the next step (Challenger rack-and-pinion replacement averages roughly $2,057-$2,372). A worn pump that whines/groans constantly may need replacement (Challenger power-steering pump replacement averages about $1,347-$2,122, with simpler jobs starting near $327). For the EHPS assist-loss / alternator issue on 2011-2014 3.6L/5.7L cars: check your VIN at nhtsa.gov for recall 17V-435 (Chrysler T36) — the alternator is replaced FREE with an improved-diode unit; if a "Power Steering" or charging/voltage warning appears or steering suddenly goes heavy, do not ignore it because the car can stall. Contact FCA at 1-800-853-1403 (reference T36) or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236. After any rack or steering-angle-related work, a steering-angle-sensor recalibration may be required.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger is the subject of two overlapping NHTSA safety recalls for sudden alternator failure, and CarComplaints.com ranks alternator failure among the worst-reported electrical problems on the 2012 model year (its lowest-rated year overall). The root cause is thermal fatigue of the alternator's internal silicon rectifier diodes: repeated heat cycling cracks the diodes, producing rapid, near-warningless failure that can manifest as no output, reduced output, or a fully shorted-to-ground condition. Recall 14V634 (filed October 2014, remedy began February 2015, Chrysler campaign P60) covers 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger and Durango plus 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee built April 22, 2010 to January 2, 2014 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a 160-amp alternator -- roughly 435,000 vehicles. Recall 17V435 (filed November 2017, remedy began February 2018, campaign T36) expanded the population to vehicles with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS) and either the 3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8 HEMI equipped with 160-, 180-, or 220-amp alternators, built August 23, 2010 to July 4, 2014. When the alternator fails the engine can stall without warning, raising crash risk; the voltage collapse can also disable safety systems (ABS / electronic stability control warning lamps illuminate and the systems can drop out) and, on EHPS-equipped cars, cause loss of power-steering assist, making the vehicle hard to control. In a worst-case shorted condition the alternator can overheat and catch fire. CarComplaints owners report failures clustering around 40,000-55,000 miles -- typically just outside the 36,000-mile basic warranty -- with whining/hissing from the engine bay, flickering ABS and traction-control lights, dimming headlights and interior lights, burning smells, and in several cases visible smoke or fire before complete shutdown.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls or dies suddenly while driving, often with no warning
- Battery / charging warning light illuminates
- ABS and traction-control (ESC) warning lights flash on and off
- Headlights and interior/dashboard lights dim or flicker
- Loss of power-steering assist on EHPS-equipped cars (heavy, hard-to-turn wheel)
- High-pitched whining or hissing noise from the engine bay
- Burning smell, smoke, or in severe cases fire from the alternator
- Battery overheats, swells, or dies prematurely (collateral damage)
- Car cranks but will not start / repeated no-start
How to Fix
If your VIN is covered by recall 14V634 or 17V435, the repair is FREE at any Dodge/Chrysler dealer regardless of mileage or age -- check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or call Stellantis/Chrysler customer care at 1-800-853-1403 (reference campaign P60 or T36). Under 14V634 the dealer replaces the alternator outright; under 17V435 the dealer first inspects the alternator part number and replaces it only if it is one of the suspect units. Out of warranty and not covered by the recall (e.g. some 5.7L or higher-amp configurations), a standard alternator replacement runs about 2 hours of labor: budget roughly $300-$600 for a quality remanufactured or new unit and $150-$400 in labor, with full RepairPal shop estimates of about $800-$1,180 for the era. Owner-reported real-world bills span $500 to $1,290 (the high end including a battery the failing alternator damaged). Because a failing diode can dump unregulated voltage or overheat the battery, have the battery load-tested at the same time and address any flickering-light, ABS/ESC-warning, or burning-smell symptoms immediately rather than waiting -- a fully shorted alternator is a fire and stall hazard. Verify any aftermarket replacement is rated for your car's amperage (160/180/220A) and EHPS load.
Sources for this issue (2)
The Dodge Challenger has a well-documented tendency to stall or shut off completely without warning while driving — a top-3 engine-category complaint at NHTSA and one of the most-reported electrical/engine problems at CarComplaints. There are two primary, separately documented root causes that present the same symptom. (1) ALTERNATOR FAILURE (3.6L Pentastar, and later 5.7L/6.4L with electro-hydraulic power steering). Chrysler began investigating stalling complaints on 2011-2012 Dodge Chargers in August 2014 and found thermal fatigue of the silicon diodes inside the alternator. The large, intermittent current draw of the electro-hydraulic power-steering (EHPS) pump thermally stresses the diodes until the alternator fails suddenly. This became NHTSA recall 14V634 (Chrysler P60), covering ~434,000 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with the 3.6L engine and 160-amp alternator (remedy began Feb 27, 2015). It was later expanded under NHTSA recall 17V435 (remedy began Feb 12, 2018) to additional 2011-2014 cars with EHPS and 5.7L or 3.6L engines. NHTSA's stated consequence for both: "If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash," with an additional risk of an underhood fire from a short circuit. (2) TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) / FUEL-PUMP-RELAY FAILURE (2008-2014, all engines). The TIPM is the car's central fuse/relay/electrical-distribution computer. When it (or its internal fuel-pump relay) degrades, owners report the engine stalling or shutting off mid-drive, intermittent no-starts, flickering lights, and multiple simultaneous warning lights (check engine, traction control/ESC, ABS). CarComplaints documents this on the 2009 Challenger ("engine shuts down while driving," 7 complaints, severity 8.6/10, ~$800 average repair, ~43,300 miles) and the 2013 Challenger ("bad TIPM," 12 complaints, severity 7.2/10, ~$940 average repair, ~43,050 miles). Because the engine quits unexpectedly, the driver loses power steering and (on automatics) power braking assist while the car is in motion — making this a genuine safety hazard, especially in intersections, on highway merges, and during turns. Multiple NHTSA complaints describe near-crashes and crashes from sudden loss of power.
Common Symptoms
- Engine suddenly shuts off / stalls while driving with no warning
- Stalling during turns, merging, or in intersections (loss of power steering and brake assist)
- Battery / charging-system warning light, then dimming or flickering headlights and dash lights (alternator)
- Multiple warning lights at once (check engine, traction control/ESC, ABS)
- Intermittent no-start or having to cycle the ignition several times to start
- Engine cranks but won't fire after a stall
- Random electrical glitches (lights flashing, wipers activating, alarm cycling) before the stall (TIPM)
- Hesitation or loss of acceleration before shutdown
How to Fix
First, check open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a Dodge dealer — 2011-2014 3.6L cars (and EHPS 5.7L/6.4L cars) are covered by alternator recalls 14V634 / 17V435, which replace the alternator FREE of charge. If your car qualifies, this is the cheapest and correct fix. For the alternator path off-recall: a charging-system test (battery, alternator output, voltage drop at the alternator plug/ground) confirms the failure. Watch for the battery/charge warning light, dimming lights, and a P0562 (system voltage low) DTC before a full stall. Replace the alternator (3.6L commonly uses a 160A or 220A unit) and inspect the wiring connector and ground for corrosion/damage, since a bad plug or ground can mimic a failed alternator. For the TIPM path: have the TIPM and its internal fuel-pump relay tested. A common, far cheaper interim fix for the fuel-pump-relay failure mode is an external fuel-pump relay bypass kit that takes the load off the failing internal relay (~$50-120 part). The full fix is replacing/rebuilding the TIPM — replacement modules run roughly $500-900 plus programming/labor, or a specialist rebuild is often more cost-effective. Inspect/clean grounds and check for water intrusion into the module. Confirm the diagnosis before throwing parts at it: scan for DTCs, monitor charging voltage with the engine running (should be ~14.1-14.4 V), and note whether the stall is preceded by electrical glitches (TIPM) or a charge/battery warning (alternator).
Sources for this issue (1)
P0622 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0622 mean on a Dodge?
P0622 stands for "Generator Field "F" Terminal Control Circuit." A fault in the generator field 'F' terminal control circuit that the PCM uses to control alternator field excitation and regulate output. The circuit is open, shorted, or not responding as commanded. On Dodge it is documented across 1 model: Challenger.
What are the most common causes of P0622?
The most common causes of P0622 are: Faulty alternator/voltage regulator, Open or short in the 'F' terminal circuit, Corroded/damaged wiring or connectors, Poor ground, Internal PCM driver fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0622 on a Dodge?
Published repair estimates on Dodge range from $10 to $2,400 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0622 on a different make?
View P0622 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.