Alternator wiring

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Feb 8, 2016 | 03:17 PM

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Alternator wiring

I know it's been beat to death, but I can't find much on a 4 wire alternator. I have a DR44 alternator with a 4 pin connector I need to wire up in my Nova. For pin "B" do I use the original brown wire that goes to the dash lamp AND a resistor, or just the brown wire without the resistor?

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:21 PM

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From: Little Austin

If you have a dash lamp, wire the L terminal through that. If there is no dash light, then you have to use a resistor. Also, wire the S terminal to your main power distribution point. This will allow the alternator to sense (hence S terminal) the load on the system and adjust output accordingly. Without the S terminal you will experience voltage drop as more components are turned on (coolant fan, lights, etc...).

Andrew

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:24 PM

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Would the "S" terminal be looped to the stud then? Wouldn't that sense load?

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:27 PM

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From: Little Austin

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Originally Posted by 3 window

Would the "S" terminal be looped to the stud then? Wouldn't that sense load?

No. If you loop it to the stud that will just sense the alternator output and not account for any other accessories. The S terminal needs to go to the main power distribution point, where ever that might be in your system. Wiring the S terminal is optional, but it will give you much better alternator functionality.

Andrew

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:32 PM

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Alright, I'll have to find the best source for that "S" terminal wire. Thanks Andrew.

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:43 PM

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From: Little Austin

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Originally Posted by 3 window

Alright, I'll have to find the best source for that "S" terminal wire. Thanks Andrew.

Tons of info here, including everything I mentioned:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Wiring/Part2/

If you have the 4 pin alternator connector you will need Metripack 150 female terminals to add the S wire.

Andrew

Feb 8, 2016 | 03:46 PM

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From: Little Austin

Or you can get a pigtail with all 4 wires already terminated:

http://store.alternatorparts.com/c13...connector.aspx

Just remove the 2 that you will not be using, but make sure you use cavity plugs to keep moisture out.

Andrew