Alternator not charging
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Joined: May 2003
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Alternator not charging
Have a '78 Bronco that has had several issues. Engine was a 351M. Factory wiring, no add ons, etc.
The one issue I am dealing with now involves the Alt.
I have three wires going to the alternator, a larger gauge black wire, an orange wire with a boot, and a white (off white?) wire with a boot.
I assume the large gauge black wire with a ring lug goes to the BATT terminal on the alternator. It is actually pigtailed together with some other black wires further back. It appears to be a factory taped pigtail.
The other two wires (the orange and white) I assumed went to FLD and STA respectively, on the alternator.
Problem is that the ammeter (Charge/Discharge in dash) is constantly showing a slight discharge when engine is running. When lights or other accessories are ON, it further drops to the discharge side.
Have I hooked up something wrong? What does the white wire to the STA connection do?
Needless to say battery isn't getting charged.
HELP!
The one issue I am dealing with now involves the Alt.
I have three wires going to the alternator, a larger gauge black wire, an orange wire with a boot, and a white (off white?) wire with a boot.
I assume the large gauge black wire with a ring lug goes to the BATT terminal on the alternator. It is actually pigtailed together with some other black wires further back. It appears to be a factory taped pigtail.
The other two wires (the orange and white) I assumed went to FLD and STA respectively, on the alternator.
Problem is that the ammeter (Charge/Discharge in dash) is constantly showing a slight discharge when engine is running. When lights or other accessories are ON, it further drops to the discharge side.
Have I hooked up something wrong? What does the white wire to the STA connection do?
Needless to say battery isn't getting charged.
HELP!
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 24
Alternator not charging
That's normal for Ford gauges.
(I think I'm the only in this world that has a working ammeter).
Voltage Regulator kick in is a around 850 rpm.
What you have to do to have piece of mind, is to get an idea with a Multi-meter to the battery when the engine is running.
You can do tests with different accessories (Heater motor,Wipers & Headlights) on & off.
Justa simple rev of the engine will so a charge condition.
(I think I'm the only in this world that has a working ammeter).
Voltage Regulator kick in is a around 850 rpm.
What you have to do to have piece of mind, is to get an idea with a Multi-meter to the battery when the engine is running.
You can do tests with different accessories (Heater motor,Wipers & Headlights) on & off.
Justa simple rev of the engine will so a charge condition.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Alternator not charging
The white wire goes from the alternator to feed the electric choke heater. It won't affect charging. Sounds like you've got it hooked up right but it isn't charging. Check for voltage on the field wire. The regulator supplies current on that wire to energize the alternator. Could be the regulator or a connection if there isn't any voltage on the field wire.
It appears your ammeter is working.
The ammeter on my parts truck works but doesn't on any of my others. Count your blessings.
It appears your ammeter is working.
The ammeter on my parts truck works but doesn't on any of my others. Count your blessings.
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