urg, same alternator problem...again.

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Oct 27, 2004 | 10:58 PM

i885744

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From: Atascadero Ca

urg, same alternator problem...again.

I still can't get my brand new alternator to charge. For a few minutes it produced 14 volts, but not long.

For diagnostic purposes i only have 3 wires going to my starter relay post...

#1 the one that leads to the starter terminal, the one that provides the 12v + to the post.

#2 the one that leads into the car, providing 12+ to the ignition, lights etc.

#3 the thick one that leads directly to the + terminal on the alternator.

The two small terminals on the alternator aren't connected to anything at the moment.

If i take a small jumper wire and connect either the top, bottom, or both termals on the alternator to system voltage 12v+ (the + terminal on the alternator) i get no alternator output.

Any ideas? It is a brand new alternator, a few days ago i got 14v out of it while playing around with the wires, but i can't seem to get it back again.

Oct 27, 2004 | 11:05 PM

stpman

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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up

it won't work with the two small wires for the altenator not connected

Steve

Oct 27, 2004 | 11:16 PM

i885744

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no no no, i have wires just for testing purposes connected to the 2 small terminals.

the main alternator output is connected to the horn relay like it should be.

If i connect the most clockwise of the 2 small connectors to 12v it doesn't charge.

If i connect the most counterclockwise of the 2 small connectors to 12v it doesn't charge.

If i connect both small connectors to 12v it doesn't charge.

Oct 27, 2004 | 11:21 PM

stpman

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You need to get a wiring diagram because one of those two wires needs some resistance to work (can't remember which one) there was a post about a week or two back

Steve

Oct 27, 2004 | 11:29 PM

i885744

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that thread you refer to was my origional alternator trauma thread.

Oct 28, 2004 | 01:00 AM

i885744

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i get the following readings from my wires...

Alternator + out: 10v(yes, i know my battery is dead)

Wire from ammeter (black with white stripe), i confirmed this is the correct wire using a continuity tester: 10v.

Brown "resistance wire" gives me only 1.5 volts at the alternator, is this correct?

The brown wire is supposed to connect to the spade terminal closest to the b+ terminal on the alternator (counterclockwise while looking from behind) correct?

Alternator still not charging hooked up this way.

Oct 28, 2004 | 06:48 AM

toyvet1

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A buddy with a 82 had same type problem, found out the circuit board behind the center gauges was bad. Something about the GEN light...

Oct 28, 2004 | 04:05 PM

i885744

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ok ok ok you're all gonna shoot me...

Please forgive me for posting all this crap.

I took the alternator down to kragen...

It tested bad on all 3 tests.

I'm going to wire my own external voltage regulator and use an old alternator i have lying around the garage, i'll let you know how that goes.