GMC not charging

DarinRay · Nov 12, 2002

Hello All,

I know this isn't related topics but hey you guys are a awesome source for info and thought I would throw this past all of you. Please follow my link that I've included which gives details to my problem.

http://plowsite.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=54119#post54119

My question now is that if I have power to the only two wires going to the alternator shouldn't I have charging power at the alternator when running the engine? I really need your help on this for I'm racking my brain bigtime on this one.

Darin

looch · Nov 13, 2002

Our local NAPA store will bench-test starters and alternators free of charge.

DarinRay · Nov 13, 2002

I actually took it to NAPA already and they said it was good but I've also heard that sometimes their machines will not diagnose it properly without getting farther than hooking up wiring harness to it. That's what has me baffled because all they do is hook power up to it and put a load on it. You see I have power to the only two wires that go to it and it still doesn't work. I am confused. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

Darin

looch · Nov 13, 2002

Check this <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.autosite.com/garage/encyclop/ency11a.asp>article</A> out. It has a step by step troubleshooting guide.

DarinRay · Nov 13, 2002

Thanks for the link. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Darin

Gary_in_Indiana · Nov 13, 2002

The new CountryByNet site has a vehicle section where you might want to post this question. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

DarinRay · Nov 13, 2002

Thanks for the heads-up and will probably do that.

Darin

DarinRay · Nov 15, 2002

Well here goes....I took the alternator back to autozone to have them test it again because everything pointed to that instead of everything else. This time they said it was bad and not producing NO voltage. HMMMM very good got new one and put it in and presto charging. So after about 4 days of brain draining headache troubleshooting I believe it was the alternator to begin with. The guy there said that they can't test teh diodes and maybe they were the culprit to begin with or whatever.....IT's running now that's all I care about. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Darin

looch · Nov 15, 2002

I'm glad it worked out for you. I had the same frustrating experience on '83 Grand Prix I used to own. Brand new alternator and it didn't work. That's when I learned that when it comes to electrical, just becasue it's new doesn't mean it's good.

ScottAR · Nov 15, 2002

Sounds right, Only the higher end testers can test diodes. When I worked at an independent parts store, they had a $600 OTC tester that would test them. Only catch; Had to bring the whole car with you. It never got one wrong though... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif