Alternator not charging battery

Tiny
MELVIN81
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK CENTURY
  • 198,000 MILES
I have a brand new battery a brand new alternator. Battery still not getting charged I checked it with my multi-meter and there is no power going through the red wire leading to the starter.
Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 5:36 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Where did you check for voltage on the red wire leading to the starter? There is a fusible link which is basically a fuse and if that is blown then that would explain why there is no voltage. Also, the PCM is responsible for turning on the regulator to activate the generator. So if we don't have voltage coming from the generator it may not be getting the turn on signal from the PCM.

Let's check the fusible link first and go from there. Thanks
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
I grabbed you a charging system diagram for your rig. (Below)

On the diagram, the red wire on the left side of the generator (alternator) has a fusible link in it.

More or less, this is a "wire fuse", it's the last line of defense when something really bad happens to the circuit. (Ex. Crossed jumper cables, etc.)

Test for power right at the alternator on that wire. If it's good there, but not on down the line, you'll need to replace the fusible link.

It is important to replace it with the exact same animal!

It is labeled "10 Gauge", locations of things are labeled on the diagram.

Attempting to bypass this "couple of dollar" item, might have you fighting fire under your hood/ your whole garage!

Do it right!

Return with good news!

The Medic
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
MELVIN81
  • MEMBER
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Thank you for the information. I will try it this weekend coming up my off days and will let you know what happens.
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds great. Let us know what you find. Thanks for the update.
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Tuesday, May 19th, 2020 AT 5:39 PM

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