Battery not charging ??

Mustang_289 · 12-18-2001, 08:20 PM

My son and I are putting an 88GT back together and we just noticed battery is not charging and we suspect the alternator is the problem. Does anyone know how I can test to see whether it's the alternator or possibly something else?

Just got done the first wave of bolt ons: MAC long-tube headers, complete 2.5 catback setup, Centerforce dual-friction clutch, Black Magic electric fan.

1BAD89 · 12-18-2001, 08:39 PM

I would suggest just driving it around, if it's not charging you'll know it's the alternator. Mine went out the other day. I think you might be able to go down to like autozone, pepboy's etc...and they can test it for you, you might want to call them.

Coolbreeze · 12-18-2001, 11:43 PM

For a quick check for the ALT is to use a voltmeter. Start the car and place the hot lead to the POS side of batt and ground lead to Neg side. It should read somewhere in the range of 14 volts. It needs to put out at least that much to run the car systems and charge the battery. Also there is a fusible link coming from the starter relay to the ALT, check that out too. I think it is green but not totaly sure though, check the Haynes(or similar) manual for the exact color....

PKRWUD · 12-19-2001, 01:39 AM

An alternator that is working properly creates a magnetic field when in use. Thanks to this oddity, you can test your alternator by simply holding a small metal screwdriver next to the back of the alternator case while the engine is running, and if it sticks, it's good. If it doesn't, the alternator isn't putting out a charge.

Take care,
-Chris

12-18-2001, 08:20 PM	#1
Mustang_289 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 512	Battery not charging ?? My son and I are putting an 88GT back together and we just noticed battery is not charging and we suspect the alternator is the problem. Does anyone know how I can test to see whether it's the alternator or possibly something else? Just got done the first wave of bolt ons: MAC long-tube headers, complete 2.5 catback setup, Centerforce dual-friction clutch, Black Magic electric fan.

12-18-2001, 11:43 PM	#3
Coolbreeze Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: ~Columbus~GA~31909~ Posts: 156	For a quick check for the ALT is to use a voltmeter. Start the car and place the hot lead to the POS side of batt and ground lead to Neg side. It should read somewhere in the range of 14 volts. It needs to put out at least that much to run the car systems and charge the battery. Also there is a fusible link coming from the starter relay to the ALT, check that out too. I think it is green but not totaly sure though, check the Haynes(or similar) manual for the exact color.... __________________ Mike Blown~AOD'ed~331~ T-top~ 86GT Check out car on my page here ------ > ~~My 86GT T-top ~~

12-19-2001, 01:39 AM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	An alternator that is working properly creates a magnetic field when in use. Thanks to this oddity, you can test your alternator by simply holding a small metal screwdriver next to the back of the alternator case while the engine is running, and if it sticks, it's good. If it doesn't, the alternator isn't putting out a charge. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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12-18-2001, 08:39 PM	#2
1BAD89 Tubbed and Juiced Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,861	I would suggest just driving it around, if it's not charging you'll know it's the alternator. Mine went out the other day. I think you might be able to go down to like autozone, pepboy's etc...and they can test it for you, you might want to call them.