Help!! system not charging
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Help!! system not charging
here's what I've got: 1984 Bronco with a 351 and a 60 amp alt.
here's what's happening: system is not charging...changed alternators, still not charging. Changed voltage regulator, still not charging. Traced all the wires from the alt, they are fine. Am I missing something simple here, or what? I'm at my wit's end with this problem...
here's what's happening: system is not charging...changed alternators, still not charging. Changed voltage regulator, still not charging. Traced all the wires from the alt, they are fine. Am I missing something simple here, or what? I'm at my wit's end with this problem...
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Help!! system not charging
I tested it by using a voltmeter on the battery posts...it was at about 12 volts before I started the truck, and it stayed about the same after it was running. If I put on the lights and the heater with the truck idling, it drops a bit (to around 11.75 volts).
Why couldn't I pull the ground cable off and test it that way? Seems if it was charging, the truck should still run, no? It's an 84 so no computer...
Why couldn't I pull the ground cable off and test it that way? Seems if it was charging, the truck should still run, no? It's an 84 so no computer...
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Help!! system not charging
You have to have the engine revved while you are observing the TESTING volt meter.
You can also test load voltage.
At idle.
Turn on :
headlights
Heater
Windshield Wipers
Then Test at 850 RPM
You can also test load voltage.
At idle.
Turn on :
headlights
Heater
Windshield Wipers
Then Test at 850 RPM
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Help!! system not charging
thanks for the help Million...I'l check tomorrow,,,my fingers are crossed...didn't realize it took the higher rpms...
my Chevy's aren't like that and I assumed Ford was the same...
my Chevy's aren't like that and I assumed Ford was the same...
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9
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From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Help!! system not charging
well...this truck is still not charging...alternator tests well (90 amps) put a new voltage regulator in it..still no good. I tested all the wires from the alt and they test fine...the stator wire goes straight from the alt to a small module on the firewall...could that be the problem? thats the only thing that is left that I haven't changed. I really can't see that stopping the alt from charging the battery, tho. I am stumped...really hate to have to take it into the shop for this.. 
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Anyone have any other suggestions?
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Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Comox Valley, Canada
Help!! system not charging
Check for corrosion on the regulator plug, also check the connections on the alternator, and check the connection on the starter relay (Bat + Terminal).
You need 12 volts on the light green/red striped wire on the regulator plug to "turn on" the regulator. It appears to be a direct feed off the starter relay Bat + terminal thru a fusible link....maybe the link is open
You need 12 volts on the light green/red striped wire on the regulator plug to "turn on" the regulator. It appears to be a direct feed off the starter relay Bat + terminal thru a fusible link....maybe the link is open
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Help!! system not charging
Well what I would do is run a wire from your batterie pos post directly to your field on the alt. If you have a defective field wire you won't get any magnetic field to cut flux lines to induce a charge. Also very important. Run your hand along your pos cable and check for hard spots in the cable. Corrossion will run up the cable in a D/C sorce. If you encounter a hard spot peal the insolation with a knife..If you find corrossion replace the defective section or the intire cable. Also I have seen it on some cars and trucks that a defective regulator or alt with out changing both at the same time will blow each other out. especially 1973 fords to 1978. Also your charge voltage should be around 14.2 volts if it's working right.