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Alternator electrical problem


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turbo3400
New User

Feb 17, 2009, 7:41 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1908 views)
Alternator electrical problem Sign In

Car is a 99 grand am, 3.4L engine
Finally got around to having my transmission rebuilt and I dropped the new one in my. Everything started and ran fine until the battery died. Started checking the alternator and found that the voltage between the + red wire on the alternator and a ground source reads 0 volts...then checked the same wire between the + on the fusebox and it reads 12 volts. I'm assuming this means that somewhere there is a short on the alternator wire that is grounding it somewhere?

Problem is I can't seem to find exactly where that red wire on the alternator goes to...it disappears into the wire harness somewhere. Anyone know where that wire could go?

and for reference:
the + on the fusebox and a ground reads 12v (normal)
the + on the alternator and a ground reads 0v (should read 12v when not running)
the + on the alternator and the + on the fusebox reads 12v
the + on the alternator and the + on the starter reads 12v

another thing...it will start and drive for quite a while (did this when i first started it, not knowing a problem until the battery light came on), so i assume the battery is at least getting a partial charge somehow or it wouldn't have driven half as far
when it's starting the starter sounds really slow, almost as if the battery is bad but i just replaced it with another one thinking that may have been the problem...


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 17, 2009, 7:46 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1905 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

Turbo; Check to make sure that you didn't pinch a wire(s) between the bell housing and the engine block. Double check your grounds, as well.
Loren
SW Washington


turbo3400
New User

Feb 17, 2009, 7:54 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1904 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

that's exactly what i think may have happened...i got under the car to check around that area but couldn't find anything...by chance would anyone know where that wire is supposed to go?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 17, 2009, 7:56 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1900 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

turbo; Not certain, but I think it gets it's power off of the starter solenoid via a fusible link. I'll take a look at the wiring diagram and get back to you. Just checked. Yes, comes off of the solenoid thru a fusable link.
Loren
SW Washington

(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Feb 17, 2009, 8:03 PM)


turbo3400
New User

Feb 17, 2009, 8:19 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1898 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

would it be possible for the fusible link to have blown somehow and thus causing my problems?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 18, 2009, 5:02 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1889 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

Yes. Sometimes they will blow inside of one of those plastic looms and be very difficult to find.
Loren
SW Washington


turbo3400
New User

Feb 18, 2009, 6:15 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1886 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

found the problem wire area and fixed it, fusible link didn't go though and the alternator ended up getting fried, works fine now though, thanks!


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Feb 18, 2009, 6:50 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1885 views)
Re: Alternator electrical problem Sign In

Great job, turbo...There was no doubt in my mind that you'd find the problem. Wink Have a great week and thanks for the reply.
Loren
SW Washington






 
 
 






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