Hello everyone: I've got a 96 gt, and I was troubleshooting an electrical problem--Car was charging TOO MUCH. So, I replaced the voltage regulator--when I took the alternator off the first time, I forgot to disconnect the battery, so the positive lead cable running from the car to the alternator threw sparks when it touched a metal part of the engine. Stupid me. Anyhow, I replaced the voltage meter, and put the alternator back, now the alternator WOULDN'T charge at all! I tried everything, with my little voltage meter, the battery wasn't receiving anything.

So, I bought a NEW alternator, and replaced the old one. SAME problem. Battery won't charge. Battery is 6 months old, Die Hard. Looked at all fuses. I'm absolutely stumped. Please someone help! Thanks very much!

Gaspi

 

It is possible that you blew a lead cell, if the battery is refusing a charge. Where did you check your output voltage? And what kind of meter are you using? Perform a CCA test on the battery and let me know what the readout is. Also, when idleing what is your dash voltage gauge showing? Is it a cheap ALT? I have seen remans come like that from the store. Check the battery for sure, overcharging will burn them up, especially if you shorted the positive to a ground.

 

Fixed it. It was actually a bloody fuse. Literally. When I loosened one of the bolts to the battery cable, I scraped my hand on the EGR, and bled all over the place. I had the fuse box open, and I guess some of the blood went in there--I checked all the fuses after that, and the alternator fuse being red, I guess I didn't see the short. But I found it, replaced it, and now it's charging fine. LOL! Sorry for the trouble! Thanks for the help!

Cheers,
Gaspi

 

wow! That is a new one...never heard of blood causing an open in an electrical circuit before.

 

Actually, the short (and blown fuse) was caused by my not disconnecting the battery before I disconnected the alternator--the positive lead touched a metal part of the engine and sparks flew--The blood just covered the transparent red fuse, and consequently, I didn't see the short--Certainly, this proves I am stupid in more ways than one. Thanks again!