I replaced my alternator and removed the 3 wires from the plug.Black,tan and green and sure if I use one of these or run a totally new wire?If its a new wire can someone post a picture where it goes. Thanks in advance,Tim.
Alternator wiring question
- Thread starter tmason
- Start date
thehackmechanic
Well-Known Member
I assume you're talking about converting to an alternator using an internal voltage regulator. You still need the heavy red wire with the ring terminal that connects the post on the back of the alternator to the battery, but you can unplug the three-prong connector. If you want your alternator warning light to work, though, you need to connect a wire from the D+ push-on terminal on the back of the new alternator to the D+ terminal on the three-prong connector (or, instead, run a new wire directly to the light in the instrument cluster).
I'm doing this from memory so if I'm wrong, someone please bitch-slap me.
I'm doing this from memory so if I'm wrong, someone please bitch-slap me.
thehackmechanic
Well-Known Member
It's whichever one of the three is connected to the terminal labeled D+ on the three-prong plug. Look on the face of the plug itself. They're labeled.
Make a jumper wire with a female spade connector and a male spade connector. Connect the female spade to the D+ tab on the back of your new alternator that has an internal regulator, and connect the male spade to whichever of the three connections on the three-prong plug is labeled D+.
Make a jumper wire with a female spade connector and a male spade connector. Connect the female spade to the D+ tab on the back of your new alternator that has an internal regulator, and connect the male spade to whichever of the three connections on the three-prong plug is labeled D+.
Another trick is to find which of the three wires at the former regulator end has a second blue wire which leads to the harness. That is the idiot light wire.
Thanks Guys
Murphy's law always comes up on these project. As dremelling apart plug,the green wire is the only one accidentally cut clip. Replaced and plugged it in. Started car with no idiot light on so I'm thinking this is right? Then I read the comments went to look for marking on alternator plug and there it was D+ and D- in very small copy. Dam I need to wear glasses all the time
Tim
Murphy's law always comes up on these project. As dremelling apart plug,the green wire is the only one accidentally cut clip. Replaced and plugged it in. Started car with no idiot light on so I'm thinking this is right? Then I read the comments went to look for marking on alternator plug and there it was D+ and D- in very small copy. Dam I need to wear glasses all the time
Tim
sounds like the alternator is not putting out enough amperage to charge the battery and cover the load while running.
Just worked on a car that would only quit running with the parking brake on..........
jmackro
Well-Known Member
Some "one wire" alternators (AKA "internally regulated") need some current coming through the indicator light to excite them; that is, to get them to start generating current. Alternatively, you can rev the engine as 61Porsche advises, and that will get the alternator going.
If this is a new installation of a one wire alternator, then the problem is probably that the indicator light isn't connected, so the alternator isn't getting excitation current.
If this is a new installation of a one wire alternator, then the problem is probably that the indicator light isn't connected, so the alternator isn't getting excitation current.
61porsche gets 10 interweb bucks for the correct answer....
More than you ever want to know
http://www.firstfives.org/faq/charging/charging.html
The best way in my opion to add the ground is from the inside mount ( bolt) back to the case. It's down low and less noticeable if you're into that sort of thing. I've seen 'em bolted to the block though.
http://www.firstfives.org/faq/charging/charging.html
The best way in my opion to add the ground is from the inside mount ( bolt) back to the case. It's down low and less noticeable if you're into that sort of thing. I've seen 'em bolted to the block though.
steve in reno
Well-Known Member
Tim
You may also find that after the install a v meter won't show enough current to make you think that the new alternator is functioning.
After about 2 minutes of running the meter will jump to the correct 14v.
Just an observation that has been discussed several times on the forum.
Leave your external v regulator in its original position just for originality look.
Now that you are getting in to the wrench turning when are you going to source a 5 spd and bell h?
My dog and I drove the cs down to see the traveling Vietnam Wall memorial in Carson City last weekend. An emotionally charged visit, to say the least!
steve
You may also find that after the install a v meter won't show enough current to make you think that the new alternator is functioning.
After about 2 minutes of running the meter will jump to the correct 14v.
Just an observation that has been discussed several times on the forum.
Leave your external v regulator in its original position just for originality look.
Now that you are getting in to the wrench turning when are you going to source a 5 spd and bell h?
My dog and I drove the cs down to see the traveling Vietnam Wall memorial in Carson City last weekend. An emotionally charged visit, to say the least!
steve
Thanks Steve
I'll try again tonight on the meter+if needed a ground wire.I finally got my tranny last weekend.I purchased a couple of months ago off CL in Petaluma and couldn't get away to pick it up but a friend was driving though and got it.It is off a 6 with the wire's for the injection I think? I'm hoping I can get it to work without buying another bell housing but that won't be till next winter when I tackle that project.
Also don't forget about me wanting to watching you Hang Glide or pay for a ride on a 2 man.
I'll give you a call to go to lunch in a couple of weeks. Tim
I'll try again tonight on the meter+if needed a ground wire.I finally got my tranny last weekend.I purchased a couple of months ago off CL in Petaluma and couldn't get away to pick it up but a friend was driving though and got it.It is off a 6 with the wire's for the injection I think? I'm hoping I can get it to work without buying another bell housing but that won't be till next winter when I tackle that project.
Also don't forget about me wanting to watching you Hang Glide or pay for a ride on a 2 man.
I'll give you a call to go to lunch in a couple of weeks. Tim