Electrical Alternator issue

For some reason by battery is getting drained by something when I drive. I think it could be the alternator but I want make sure first before I drop the money on a new one. Should I run a ground from the alternator? I'm currently running one now, could that be the problem? Can alternators be fixed or is it best just to get another?

is the idiot light coming on when you turn the key on?

No, but I think the bulb could be bad.

that could be your problem. the alt. is not getting excited so it doesn't know when it needs to work

Once they don't charge are they done or can they be fixed?

once your light is working then you will know. do you have an amp or volt gauge in the car? that will show you as soon as you start up

I had the same problem once. I didn't have a bulb in the dash for the idiot light. A lot of time and money later, that's all it was in my case.

Knowing is always half the battle. I just talked to my dad and he was saying that the old regulator box that's under the back seat could still be pulling power from some where.

Def get another bulb for the dash. I can come by thursday after work to take a look but without the light its not going to help much. Let me know.

That would be awesome! Thank you!

You NEED a bulb for the car to charge. I will bet money the bulb is your issue.

I hope so!

Did not know that

Here's how it works. The light has two wires coming off of it. One goes to a switched source (has power when the key is on). The other side goes to the alternator.

When you turn the key on, power goes through the bulb, and grounds through the alternator. This energizes the alternator (basically wakes it up) so the alternator starts charging. So now, you have 12v going from the alternator back to the bulb. Because you have 2 power wires and no ground, the bulb goes out. This is why the "gen" light stays on after the engine is running some times. It may take a rev of over 2000 rpm's to get the alternator to energize and start producting current.

This is also why at night, with the headlights on and the radio going, you'll see the "gen" light on a little. This is showing you there is a voltage difference between the two power wires at the bulb. The alternator is putting out 12v, but the other wire, at the fuse block, is seeing less than 12v because of the headlights and stereo.

So even a straight wire from the fuse block to the alternator won't start it charging, it needs a load, such as a bulb or diode. This is why I'm sure it's the source of your problem.

cool

Thank you so much for that breakdown! I'm really hoping that's the problem. My wiring harness is in a bit of a cluster.

I love working on vehicle electrical systems. I would love to help, but I'm working 7 days a week and going to school so I just don't have the time right now.

Feel free to post up any issues or questions you have, and I'll help online.

Thank you so much Dave!

Dave's the man. Glad your working and involved again. We missed your knowledge.

Got the bulb. See ya after work!

Dude, you are awesome! What kind of beer do you drink?

Yuengling, Newcastle, Heineken, Miller Lite . . . or anything else that contains alchohol

Well, I will have something cold for you.

SEEVWTV wrote:

Once they don't charge are they done or can they be fixed?

You can take any alt or gen to Hutcherson Auto Electric
(813) 247-4365
701 S 50th St, Tampa, FL 33619