Alternator replacement

1984 CHEVROLET VAN
100,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHEVYVANANT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Changing alternator, have battery completely disconnected. Tester light reveals power is coming from wires that connect to alternator. Not understanding where this power is coming from.
Apr 3, 2019 at 2:08 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Good afternoon,

Which wire has power? There are three wires. One from the battery, one from the cluster and one from the ignition.

There should be no voltage anywhere with both cables off the battery.

Roy

Apr 3, 2019 at 3:18 PM
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CHEVYVANANT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for your response. Identified problem. It was an ironic mistake on our part. Had a couple solar chargers/jump start panels hooked up through cigarette lighter power lines and forgot about them. Duh! Anyway, they were keeping power going to the alternator lines. So, thanks again for your response.
Apr 4, 2019 at 6:28 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 52,796 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Apr 4, 2019 at 6:47 PM
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