I have a very strange situation with my charging system. Started with battery light flickering on / off intermittantly. Batteries were old so I decided to replace them even if that wasnt the problem. No change in symptoms

Checked the output voltage from the alternator - 11.7V - exactly the same as the batteries. Occasionally the voltage would spike up to 13.5. Checked all grounding and cleaned cable connections. Assumed that the regulator within the alternator was pooched. New alternator purchased and installed.

Problem persists. Now when I start the truck one of the 2 situations arise:

1) Truck starts, no output from alternator. No light on the dash. running completely on battery. When I unplug the connector from the alternator and reseat it, sometimes the alternator will start producing. Sometimes i have to restart several times.

2) Truck starts, alternator is charging but battery light comes on every time I accelerate. Checked the Belt (it is very tight and in good condition).

I am now thinking about a bad connection in the circuit to the light on the instrument panel (although - I couldnt detect that with my volt meter). Any other thoughts?

 

that connector is the exciter for the alt, if no power then no out put


its also a prone to fail connector and the do make pigtails to replace it

 

Update: - This didnt work.... - start original message - Thanks.. Yes - I wedged a couple coins between the housing and the connector.. the pressure made the connector establish a good connection again. Battery light still on.. Once battery was fully charged - light went off.. Ordered the pigtail $75 canadian.. ugg.. oh well.. finally resolved.. Cheers

 

New alternator and new connector. Same problem. If I wedge the connector a little with a screwdriver - the alternator kicks in. Then the next time I go out - I have to wedge it again.. How is this possible when all the parts are new.. What am I missing... Arggggggg!

 

This is the connector I am dealing with. When I wedge something between the Alternator and the Connector and it starts working. This was the exact same symptom as with the old alternator and old connector

 

were are you getting the alternators. might be time to try a different source.