Alternator not charging battery

Tiny
JMILLS5246
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
I have replaced the alternator and battery and the alt does not charge battery. ABS and Battery light comes on and car dies. Connection to battery is good. Is there a fusible link hidden somewhere? All other fuses are good. Appears all grounds are good also, no sloppiness and are all tight. It is a 99 malibu with a 2.4l engine with 45000 original miles. When disconnecting pos terminal of battery a very small spark between battery post and cable.
Thursday, October 25th, 2007 AT 2:52 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
This is what happens when the positive battery cable goes out. Do you have voltage at the main charge wire of the alternator? Here is a guide to help you fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, October 25th, 2007 AT 5:43 AM
Tiny
JMILLS5246
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. I have already taken the new alternator out and had it tested at two different locations, both said it was working fine.
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Thursday, October 25th, 2007 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
JKHAN12
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the same problem with my car, then I come across this guide it was spot on. I love this site.
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Thursday, April 15th, 2010 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
DANELEEJOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 145,000 MILES
The car died at a red light and I tried to jump start it but it still wouldn't turn over so I towed to advanced discount and they checked my battery and all and said it was my starter so I replaced it and recharged my battery the next day drove to work and went to leave and battery dead again towed back to advanced discount they tested the system again and said my alternator was bad so I replaced it yesterday drove to the store and went to leave and battery dead again with nothing on the warning light on the dash board has been on the past 3 days and the battery is 3 months old Any ideas
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Recharge the battery then check to see if your fusible link to alternator is burnt up. If it is it won't charge. Check what I've pointed out in drawing
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KMOORE68
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Electrical problem
1997 Chevy Malibu 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

my car drags when I try to start it. It sounds like the battery is dead, but I used a volt meter on it and it is fully charged. How do I see myself if the alternator is bad?
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EUGENE123
  • MECHANIC
  • 273 POSTS
Take your car to a parts store like advance auto parts and let them do a free alternator scan to see if the alternator is bad or not
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KMOORE68
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, I actually did just go ahead and buy a new alternator for my car, I bought a 105amp. Unfortunately, it still drags a little, any other suggestions. Thanks for your help
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Monday, September 23rd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM (Merged)

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