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Alternator not charging

Tiny
ROB59
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
I have replaced my alternator three times because the 'warning' light keeps coming on showing system not charging. When first starting engine, after installing alternator, light will come on, again, after just a minute or two. Tests on alternator show it is not generating any voltage out-put. I have also replaced battery. Is there something causing the alternators to burn out, or, prevent it from charging system?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 8:44 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So have you tested the alternator before putting it in?Also tested the alternator out of the car after it was installed to see if there really burning up after they were installed?Also have you checked all the power inputs to the alternator to make sure you don't have a blown fuse bad fuse able link or bad wire?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2013 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
ROB59
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  • 5 POSTS
The alternators I've put in all came from salvage yards. And we assumed to be in working order. I have used a test light to determine power supply. I found that the fuse was good. The main cable going to the alternator powered up when the key was in the on position. However, the 'plug-in', red-n-black, wires had no power. Even when the car is running. Could this be the 'fuse-able' link? And, where is the link located?
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Sunday, September 15th, 2013 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Looking at the wire diagram I see the red wire to the B+ terminal should have battery voltage all the time. Also the red wire going to the L terminal should have power with the key in the run position. Those are the only two I see with power. You need to use a multi meter to make sure there is battery voltage to them
. Also that the alternator case has a good ground to it.
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Sunday, September 15th, 2013 AT 11:22 PM
Tiny
ROB59
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Does the fusible link have anything to do with loss of power to the plug-in connection on the alternator?
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 2:23 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The fusible link is the B+ terminal the one held on by A nut. Only the two red wires are supposed to have battery voltage to them.
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
ROB59
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  • 5 POSTS
I do not think you understand my question. I'm not a mechanic. I asked where the fusible link is located. I do not know what the B+ terminal is! As well as the "L" terminal. I also need to know if the fuse-able link could be the problem with the plug in, on the alternator, not having any power? As I said before, I'm not real knowledgeable about the wiring of the car. So I need 'simple' responses to my questions. Thank you.
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The fusible link is in between the positive side of the battery and the B+ terminal at the alternator. The B+ terminal on the alternator is the one with the nut like I said in my earlier post. Its the only wire held on the alternator with a nut. Also the L terminal is the other red wire going to the alternator.
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Monday, September 16th, 2013 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
ROB59
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you, Saturn, I'll check the link to see if it is blown. But I don't think it is. Because the red, (B+), wire that bolts onto the alternator powers up when the key is turned on.
Thanks.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Also make sure the other red wire has battery voltage at the alternator with the key on. Also that the alternator has a good ground to the case of it. Also this needs to be tested with a multi meter. Also what is the battery voltage at the battery with the engine idling?
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
SUZYTHESUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 154,000 MILES
I put In a new alternator, battery, and the frame/engine block/negative battery ground cable and the light is still on. I feel like the battery isn't getting the recharge from the alternator. I have replaced the wire going from the alternator to the starter. Also when I put in the new alternator and battery I had them tested because the battery light was still on and the components passed the tests.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
It's obvious you a short in your dash! Ignore the light or remove the bulb.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUZYTHESUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
No, it's not a short in the dash the car runs off of the battery. I'm pretty sure because my car shut off and then I was stranded. I gave it a jump and it started right up once I took off the jumper cables it shut off. Then I let the other car run so my battery would charge up so I could move the car. So if I have the jumper cables on it will run forever otherwise it will shut off.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
Okay, then you did not mention that in your original question. You will need to take a test light or a voltmeter. Check the red wire on the back of the alternator for battery voltage. Check the other connector and make sure the wire connectors are plugged in properly. They go to the voltage regulator. If this is all good you need to replace the alternator! I am the light well go out.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUZYTHESUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I had the alternator tested in the car it failed. Said it was a bad regulator. It bench tested fine tested fine. Also I got a check engine light for a high voltage for the temperature sensor.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUZYTHESUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Idle does from above 1000 rpm's then drops below 1000 rpm's after a few minutes of running.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
When we tested the alternator, did you have it load tested? Here is a guide that runs through how to ensure it is running well on the vehicle. You can also stop by a parts store and have them testing it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

More then likely the alternator is not able to carry the needed load due to the regulator not allowing the field current to grow large enough to charge the battery.

I would run through this test or have it tested and go from there.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CLUELESS2009
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I just bought a new altinater about 5 months back and its been working fine and just replaced the battery and both positive and negative cables not 3 days ago and the battery is draining and now when I go to turn it over nothing works not even the dome lights I was wondering if you could give any insight of what may be wrong It would help so much.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello, you didn't leave a wire unhooked at the starter solenoid? I'm not sure of the litre size of your engine? My info appears to show the charge wire from the generator goes to the starter solenoid, attaches to the same terminal as the positive battery cable.

If you have a digital voltmeter, we can do some testing. You need to make sure the battery has a full charge.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICERIDES555
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
Electrical problem
1998 Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual

i have a 98 sunfire I put a new alternater and a new battery my alternater will not charge even when the car is on I tun the car on and the battery just drains out I took the alternater back and got another one and still the same thing what else could be the problem for the alternater not charging I was told it could be a parasitic drain but I had it tested and thats not the problem
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/416332_1998_pontiac_sunfire_charging_circuit_1.jpg


At the alternator with the key in the run position see if you have battery voltage at the red wire on the B+ terminal and battery voltage at the red wire on the L terminal.Let me know what you find.
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Saturday, April 11th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)

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