Alternator help

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Feb 22, 2026 | 03:50 PM

#46

FuzzFace2

FTE Legend

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 30,904

Likes: 4,122

From: Angier, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onyx812

I live in Missouri but outside of the thing I said is getting now volt from everything I've been getting so far im leaning on the regulator being fried or has issues im try to test the wires but i cant it the plug out easy and im getting nothing when i put the tester elsewhere for it again im a novice for this and when the wind dies down with the sharp cold i get back out there

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Capacity

You may want to unbolt the regulator and try and unplug it then. If you break the connector, you should be able to a replacement pigtail from NAPA.

It's been said, you can slip a paper clip (small piece of wire) into the back of the connector too for testing.

I dont think you want to disconnect the plug from the regulator for testing the wires so I would leave it connected for not and bolted to the fender.
The paper clip will slip into the plug parallel to the wire till it hits the connector on the end of the wire..
If you dont have a paper clip to slip in parallel to the wire use a safety pin and stick it through the insulation of each wire far enough to hit the metal wire part and hook the test lead to the pin.

I hear you on the weather after a few days in the high 60's today it started off mmid 50's and right now 38* dropping to the 20's
Dave ----

Feb 22, 2026 | 04:01 PM

#47

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,983

Likes: 2,736

From: Virginia

For some of the important things to check, you can disconnect the regulator plug. You should get 12v at all times on the "A" terminal, and you should get 12v on the "S" terminal only with the key in run. And he should have 12v on the large lug on the back of the alternator at all times. This should confirm or dismiss the most common problems with the wiring.

He will have to check the "F" terminal with the regulator plug plugged in, but if he gets that far that is just confirming if the regulator is bad or not.

Feb 27, 2026 | 12:45 PM

#48

Onyx812

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Nov 2025

Posts: 57

Likes: 3

I have diagnosed that it should be my voltage regulator I've tested the wires and regulator and all wires are receiving current but the regulator is not

Feb 27, 2026 | 01:07 PM

#49

Max Capacity

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 5,667

Likes: 1,159

From: Tolland, CT

I trust your going to get a Echlin or Standard one from the local auto parts store... maybe ask them what they would put on their truck...

Oh, I see Summit Racing has a Motorcraft one. https://www.google.com/search?q=1982...t=gws-wiz-serp

And Jeff's Bronco grave yard too.

Last edited by Max Capacity; Feb 27, 2026 at 01:12 PM.