Charging system problems

Tiny
LAMBOLOVESHOW
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
The charging system is not working. New battery. Starter, alternator, and battery passed tests and are working. Somehow there is no power getting to the battery where as we are driving the battery level just drops to 0. Where else can we start?
Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 6:22 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

There are a few things that should be checked. First, check the fuses identified in picture 1. They are located in the under hood fuse box.

If the fuses are good, you need to check what is called a fusible link. It will appear to be a regular wire, but it functions as a fuse and can burn out. It is what allows power between the battery and the alternator. Take a look at picture 2. You need to locate the black/white wire that runs from the B+ pin on the alternator and battery cable junction block and check it for continuity. When doing this, disconnect the battery so no power is available to the wire.

You will need to use a multi meter to check continuity. Here are a couple links that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have a feeling the fusible link has failed, but you need to check it for continuity to confirm it's bad.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
LAMBOLOVESHOW
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
We do have continuous power in both these areas. We did have a 14 volts reading for a few moments after checking. Then it went back down to pulling 12 volts.
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Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,640 POSTS
Move the fusible link around to see if it makes a difference. You may have a poor connection or an internally broken wire allowing power and then not. If you had power, that is my first suspect. Also, confirm the connections are not corroded or loose.
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Monday, February 18th, 2019 AT 8:02 PM

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