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Alternator wiring

A ArnoldJDuarte
Hi all,

In an earlier post I inquired about wiring my alternator. As recommended, I bought an indicator light and connected one wire from the D+ tab on the alternator and the second wire to the "ACC" on the ignition switch.

When I switched the ignition on, the indicator light went on and my voltmeter indicated voltage from the battery. I start the car and with the motor running, the indicator light remained on. When I disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, the motor dies. What gives? Does that mean that my alternator is not charging. With the motor running I checked the voltage on the battery and it read 11.6 volts on my test meter. I appreciate any input.

Thanks.

Arnold
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A ArnoldJDuarte
Hi all,

In an earlier post I inquired about wiring my alternator. As recommended, I bought an indicator light and connected one wire from the D+ tab on the alternator and the second wire to the "ACC" on the ignition switch.

When I switched the ignition on, the indicator light went on and my voltmeter indicated voltage from the battery. I start the car and with the motor running, the indicator light remained on. When I disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, the motor dies. What gives? Does that mean that my alternator is not charging. With the motor running I checked the voltage on the battery and it read 11.6 volts on my test meter. I appreciate any input.

Thanks.

Arnold
LeonChuppLeonChupp
Arnold.....11.6 volts indicates a discharged battery......I'm not familiar with your car, but normaly, discconecting the battery should not kill the engine....IT IS NOT reccomended, however....Alternator output, while attached to the battery, should be over 13.2 volt and, preferably, under 14.5volts.....It would appear that the alternator is not charging the battery.....Could be loose belt, a bad connection, or alternator ....I don't have a wiring diagram for a two wire + gnd alternator system, so I can't verify the indicator light wiring...I'll dig around and get back to you......

Sorry I can't be of more help...
J jspbtown
Arnold,
Three things:

1. The wire should be to the "run" terminal on the key. I am not sure the accessory circuit is live when the key is in the run position.if the acc terminal is not live when the car is running the circuit will not be correct.

2. Did you rev the engine? You need to bring it up to about 2000 rpm and the light should go off and stay off. Once you "excite" the alternator the voltage should change.

3. The light is a incandesent bulb right?......not a LED. LEDs don't draw enough.

Jeff
A ArnoldJDuarte
Hi everyone,

Thank you for all the responses.

Leon, I checked the belt and all wiring connections are tight and clean.

Jeff, On my ignition switch, the ACC is always live once I switch the ignition on and while the car is running. I rev the engine several times above 2000 rpm and the light remains on. The indicator light I installed is incandesent.

When I parked the car a few months ago the alternator was working fine. That is why I am having a problem thinking that the alternator went out. Is there a way to check if the alternator is operating correctly other than what has been suggested?

Thanks again for all your help.
WildBillWildBill
Arnold is the new indicator light grounded to the gauge? It shouldn't be. The only ground it gets is from the wire from the alt. The bulb socket must be insulated from the gauge. I'm thinking since it is staying on, it must be getting a ground from another source. You could try pulling the socket from the gauge letting it hang by the wires and see if the light will go out that way.
That or the alt is faulty. Most auto parts stores test alternators. You may have to pull it and get it tested.

~WB
A ArnoldJDuarte
Hi guys,

Bill, the light I purchased from NAPA is in a plastic socket and has 2 wires. I connected one to the D+ on the alt and the other is connected to the ACC on the ignition switch. None of the wires or socket are grounded. I mounted the light in the dashboard.

Gordon, I will check and see if a shop can check the alt.

Thanks again for all your help. I appreciate it.
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