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Installed New Alternator but bat still wont charge - The Virginia Edition
Topic Started: May 11 2014, 02:04 PM (1,420 Views)
TimmyD
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A Metro Driver

Same problem as the original post by tac2013, but this is a '99 1.3L HB.
I've changed the alternator, the battery holds a charge (its only 6 months old).
I've looked at everything that there is to look at and now I'm just stumped.

Any other recommendations?
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David95237


You checked your alternator fuse? make sure both small wires have 12 volts on them with key on.
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TimmyD
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A Metro Driver

I've checked the fuses under the dash (driver's side) and the fusible links by the battery.
I checked all the connections there @ the junction box by the battery.
I looked @ the wiring schematics; I just don't know where else to troubleshoot.
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idmetro
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Got any corrosion on the battery cables? Especially the ground cable needs to be clean.
Edited by idmetro, May 11 2014, 08:04 PM.
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David95237


?
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rmcelwee
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I had an issue with the Alt on the V8 Miata. It would not charge. It was a Miata OEM part and luckily I had another one on the shelf. Swapped it out and it still would not charge. Then I started doing some investigating and found that the alternator has to have a +1V signal coming to it to "turn it on". This, on a Miata, comes through the battery light in the dash. Might be something to check...
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Woodie
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Cables
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TimmyD
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A Metro Driver

Woodie
May 12 2014, 06:10 AM
Cables
...yeah...Plan B for next weekend.
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TimmyD
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A Metro Driver

Finally got around to checking cable...
...dammit, they are all good.
Continuity check.
Cable from alternator to junction box.
Fusible link
Junction box cable to +pos bat.
Batt to starter.
Replaced the negative battery cable
Alternator connector to dash (idiot) light.

Next Saturday I'm driving it to Advanced Auto and having them run their diagnostic check.
If they tell me its the alternator, I'm going to have all the damn tools and jacks to remove it right there in their parking lot.
Then I'll bring it in to them to test.
This is freaking insane, its a simple circuit.
Isn't the battery getting its 'trickle charge' from the cable from the alternator?
WTF!!!

Good think I have the motorcycle for commuting or I would be spending a fortune using the truck to commute every day.

...I'm getting ready to say frack it & have a bonfire.
Edited by TimmyD, May 26 2014, 05:07 PM.
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greatdadto2
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[ *  *  * ]
You may have something in the car draining the battery making it appear as if it isn't charging. Is the alternator putting out 13.4 or more volts or only 12. It needs just a tad more than 12 to charge the battery. I'm no car mechanic, but I do know electrical/ electronics. Navy aviation electronics tech, union electrician, truck driver
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greatdadto2
Member
[ *  *  * ]
Also, if you have a plugin charger try that on your battery and then have advance test its charge. New. Batteries have been defective before
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nickb803
NickB803

Don't waste time with those alternator test machines. Get a multimeter and test it yourself. That's the more reliable way.
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Woodie
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TimmyD
May 26 2014, 05:07 PM
I'm going to have all the damn tools and jacks to remove it right there in their parking lot.
Have you done this before? It's not easy on a 1.3, at least not if you have A/C.
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Memphis metro


Is the belt good and tight? Is the alternator turning suffient rpms? Remember new means never ever worked. Very common for alternators to be bad right out of the box.
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scubaman
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scubaman

Try looking a DIY like this http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/how-to-test-an-alternator/view-all#step1
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