Stu Cool

iTrader: (13)

I seem to be having charging problems, can I get a reading on alternator output through the diagnostic port? That would sure beat pulling the Alternator and taking it to Kragen.

thanks

Pat

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

Why don't you start the car and put a meter on the battery?

Kamin

he might be trying to check amperage.

voltage output is only half the equation with alternators.

Jon5212

iTrader: (2)

I know that, you need an Ampmeter then. I don't believe you can use the PCM to see alternator output... maybe Voltage but not amperage.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Pat

See if you can find someone with a scanner that has a inductive pickup that can read the Alternator output for both Amp/volts.

RE AND CHERYL

iTrader: (31)

If you can turn on all accessories and voltage is still over 14vdc or better, it's charging properly.

Re'

G-Body

iTrader: (4)

What exactly is it doing? Does it always seem like it isn`t charging enough or does it charge ok for a while and then the voltage just drops out and it stops charging?

Jhankinson

iTrader: (1)

Mine is kinda doing that....it starts up fine...right at 14v...then after i drive for a little while it tapers off to like 12.7 then holds steady there for the duration until I shut it off and everything cools down again. Any ideas on what would cause that?

G-Body

iTrader: (4)

I burnt up a regulator before and it would start out charging normal (~14v) and then once it got hot it would stop charging completely. If I let the car cool down it would go back to charging normally.

You may also want to check your electrical connections on the alternator, if there is a corroded connection it could cause poor charging and as electrical components get warmer resistance increases. That could cause a voltage drop when it warms up.

Stu Cool

iTrader: (13)

Thanks guys for your ideas. I found a place on the main wire from the alternator that had rubbed bare. I have fixed that and further insulated it with a piece of fuel hose. I am now showing 15+ volts at the battery whith the motor running, even with A/C and lights on. But my gauge inside the car is still showing just over 12 volts. This morning I will pull the dash open so I can check the voltage there with the meter to make sure it is not the gauge that has gone flaky. I am hoping that bare wire short did not send the regulator south.

Pat

Rodder

iTrader: (2)

I noticed the other night that my Autometer Ultralite II voltmeter was reading about 10V when I turned the key on, and 12V with the engine running. It went up to 12.5V after driving around a few minutes. I haven't bothered slapping a DMM on it, but I'm 99.9% certain that the gauge is giving an incorrect reading.