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Alternator electrical problem
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turbo3400
New User
Feb 17, 2009, 7:41 PM
Post #1 of 8
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Alternator electrical problem
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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...
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 17, 2009, 7:46 PM
Post #2 of 8
(1748 views)
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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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
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turbo3400
New User
Feb 17, 2009, 7:54 PM
Post #3 of 8
(1747 views)
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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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?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 17, 2009, 7:56 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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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)
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turbo3400
New User
Feb 17, 2009, 8:19 PM
Post #5 of 8
(1741 views)
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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would it be possible for the fusible link to have blown somehow and thus causing my problems?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 18, 2009, 5:02 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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Yes. Sometimes they will blow inside of one of those plastic looms and be very difficult to find.
Loren
SW Washington
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turbo3400
New User
Feb 18, 2009, 6:15 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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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!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Feb 18, 2009, 6:50 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: Alternator electrical problem
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Great job, turbo...There was no doubt in my mind that you'd find the problem.  Have a great week and thanks for the reply.
Loren
SW Washington
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