1989 Pontiac Sunbird not charging

Tiny
SHYDALON
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 PONTIAC SUNBIRD
  • 143,000 MILES
I just replaced the battery and alternatorand it's still not holding a charge. It ran fine until I had to use the lights. What could be causing this to happen? How do I test the alternator to make sure I didn't get a bad one?
Monday, July 8th, 2013 AT 2:40 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SEANGRANT00
  • MECHANIC
  • 334 POSTS
If you didn't correctly hook up the alternator, it will not charge the system. What size engine do you have?

I would first check to make sure everything is hooked up correctly. This actually happens a lot, I would double check everything and then if it still is not correct, most part stores will do it for free. You can also use a volt meter to see if there is any output.

Sean
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Monday, July 8th, 2013 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
SHYDALON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
2.0 is the engine size. We have checked to make sure it was hooked up correct. When we hook up a voltage meter to the battery it puts out the right voltage but when we start the car the voltage goes down to 11 volts. Please help I am puzzled. Thanks.
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Monday, July 8th, 2013 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
SEANGRANT00
  • MECHANIC
  • 334 POSTS
It sounds like the alternator. There should be a four-way connector to the alternator. This is what tells the system to charge or not. (Regulator) I would check to see if any wires are exposed or disconnected from the connector. Also make sure all the terminals on the battery and alternator are tight and clean.

Sean
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Monday, July 8th, 2013 AT 3:41 PM

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