1985 Oldsmobile 88 charging

NASCARFAN88

MEMBER
1985 OLDSMOBILE 88
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
92,000 MILES

I have replaced the alternator and battery twice a new plug in for the alternator new batt bolts new cables, good ground wire, conn are clean and tight, and yet the charge light still comes on. What can cause the alt not to charge?

Sunday, January 31st, 2010 AT 2:49 PM

2 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Welcome to the forum. If you have a digital voltmeter, take a reading across the battery posts, everything turned off. The generic spec for a full charge is 12.6 volts. Start the vehicle take a second reading across the battery posts, the second reading should be higher than the first, if the alternator is charging. Engine running, you can also take a reading at the alternator bat terminal, just don't get the leads caught in belt or pulleys.

If not excite voltage, the alternator won't charge. If there is a problem with the wiring circuit between the alternator bat terminal and battery, possible, no charge.

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Sunday, January 31st, 2010 AT 3:04 PM

NASCARFAN88

MEMBER
1 POST

I don't have a meter to test the voltage but I have had it tested and although I didn't ask what it was reading they said it was weak? I was talking to my brother who is a mec he said try the coil in the dist. Why I didn't think of that along time ago I dunno. But after some thought I realized that this just might b poss. I did a complete tune up to the car a few months ago, but I forgot to buy a new coil. So like a bone head I took off the old one and put it in the new dist cap. The charging prob happend shortly afterwards. But before I go and buy one I am gonna take it down to my parts store and have it checked out. Hopfully this will cure the prob, if it don't then i'm gonna sell it come spring time. Thanks for all your help.

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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 1:42 PM