Don't ask me how I know 
got a quickie
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 5
From: Richardson Tx.
got a quickie
I touched the red terminal on the back of the alternator with a screwdiver and heard a little electrical zing...Now the car is dead, no lights... nothing..I checked the fuses and they look ok.
um, what did I just do?
um, what did I just do?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
The red terminal on back of alternator is HOT (+).
You may have shorted something in the alternator (voltage regulator or diode trio) that regulates the voltage back to the rest of the car. May be worth taking it to the local parts store for test.
Stores will test alternator for free.
You may have shorted something in the alternator (voltage regulator or diode trio) that regulates the voltage back to the rest of the car. May be worth taking it to the local parts store for test.
Stores will test alternator for free.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
Chances are pretty good something is blown...just a matter of where. Double check fuses. Even if alternator is fried, car should still at least crank over and start. Possible that there is fuse link that was blown down at the starter?? Do you have a volt meter? Is there still 12v at the red wire at the alternator? Do you have 12v at starter? Do you have 12v at starter with ignition key in start/crank position? All things that should probably be checked. Good luck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
Not so sure about interior lights...still think that whatever is blown might be affecting your interior lights also. What year is your vette? If you only have 6v at the alternator, trace that wire backwards. I believe it runs down to starter, but could be wrong. If you can find where that wire originates from, check the voltage at that point and see what you have. If 12v, move towards the alt to see where it changes from 12v to 6v and fix as necessary.
Sorry bud, wish I could be there to help you out!
Sorry bud, wish I could be there to help you out!
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