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Ronniebebe
Novice
Jun 18, 2005, 1:23 PM
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Charging Problem's
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Have a 95 Chev 1/2 ton pick up Silverado Running with a 5.7 Liter engine ( 350 ) also has air conditioner.
Question: My alternator has not been charging fully lately, the meter on the dash shows little charge. Yesterday it was in the red and is still there.
I've done all the test's l could think of.
Disconnect the battery and fully charge it.
Reconnect the battery still no charge, take off the negative cable and hook up a test light to the cable,touch the other end to the battery post ,the light stays on.
Disconnect the wires from the alternator touch the tester to the battery post light stays on. Now there must be a short in the system ??.
With the test light still on l pull out all the fuses one at a time until the light goes out. It went out when l pulled the fuse saying ' battery ' it's a 50 amp. fuse.
My question is could the regulator that is built into the alternator becausing this problem , I'm coming to no more ideas as how to check anything. Don't really want to take to auto repair shop because of the cost.
Have a nice day.
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motorheadII
User
Jun 18, 2005, 5:10 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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Check battery voltage key off. If battery voltage is not a couple of volts higher at idle, replace the alternator. Should be 13.5-14v.
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Ronniebebe
Novice
Jun 18, 2005, 5:16 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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Motorhead .How do l check the voltage on the battery. I have a couple of tester's but there only good for up to 9 volts there just the cheap ones you get at Lowes for testing. .The battery is about 1&1/2 years old. Sometimes you can rev. the engine and the needle will move a fraction and go right back in the red.
Motorhead. what type of tester do l need.??? Thanks Ron.
Have a nice day.
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motorheadII
User
Jun 18, 2005, 5:25 PM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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You can get a DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter) at any parts store for minimal cost. If it has a 10 mega-ohm impedance, it can also be used to test electronic circuits.
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Ronniebebe
Novice
Jun 18, 2005, 5:29 PM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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Thanks Motorhead will get one at the supplier tomorrow. Thanks a lot. Ron.
Have a nice day.
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motorheadII
User
Jun 18, 2005, 5:33 PM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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The alternator diagnosis posted above assumes the alt belt and tensioner is in good condition and is actually turning the alt at the proper RPM. (I sometimes get in trouble by making untested assumptions.  )
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Ronniebebe
Novice
Jun 18, 2005, 5:39 PM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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Brand new belt about two months ago. When l was driving home Friday l heard some humming from the engine dept. And the meter was in the red. Guess it would be a good guess the alternator is done. I was reading in the truck manual how to do the tests and did each one,and the light was still on.Anyway l'll get the meter in the morning and check out the battery.Thanks again Motorhead keep in touch. Ron.
Have a nice day.
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motorheadII
User
Jun 18, 2005, 5:51 PM
Post #8 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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You're welcome, sir. Drop by anytime. We'll give you so many opinions you're bound to like some of 'em.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 19, 2005, 7:59 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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Hi Ron,
You really should get a voltmeter as MotorheadII said they don't cost that much and you'll use it to test other things if you get a full multimeter.
Chances are you need an alternator. You can disconnect it and see if your test light trick goes out - that would be pretty conclusive.
Also, consider how old the battery is. If it's more than 3-4 years old it could have either been the cause or be damaged by a failing alternator and shorted within itself. Disconnected does it hold a charge?
You can also look to see how far the volts drop when starting vehicle. If it drops below 9V or so for that second it's probably toast.
If you are convinced that you need the new alternator but still unsure - many retailers can bench test your old one for a couple bucks or free depending on whether you buy one. Make sure pulley is right - count the grooves.
AlsoII- Charge the battery up first with a new alternator. If it's way too low it can burn out your new one!
Good luck,
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Ronniebebe
Novice
Jun 21, 2005, 6:42 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Thanks for all the help. Bought a meter and found the alternator was done.Replaced it working find now. Thanks Ron.
Have a nice day.
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motorheadII
User
Jun 21, 2005, 3:14 PM
Post #11 of 11
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Re: Charging Problem's
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I love a happy ending. Thanks for the feedback.
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