I recently changed my alternator because i thought it was draining my battery but the new one does exactly the same thing. Also, the alternator light on the dash is always on. If anyone knows any other reason why my battery is draining or how i can get the alternator light off, that would be great.

 

Sounds like you have a regulator problem.

 

Sounds like good old "shade tree mechanic" stuff - change a part and see if it fixes it... gets kinda expensive, doesn't it? Might well be a $15 regulator rather than a $75 alternator. Most auto parts stores will test your alternator for free. Plus a multimeter would be a good investment - using the voltage scale, put it on the battery terminals while the engine is running - should see at least 13.5 volts - if not, it isn't charging. Draining the battery is kinda a misnomer too - alternators either chrage the battery or they don't - if it doesn't, the rest of the electrical components in the car will "drain" the battery if the charging system isn't working.

 

I have the EXACT same issue going on right now...any suggestions for points to check?

 

Before you replace any part, make sure that part is defective. Take it to get it tested before replacing it. If you do replace the alternator, then automatically replace the voltage regulator at the same time. If the battery is draining while the car is turned off, then you need to check to see if any lights are left on. Also, take the car to a parts place and have them check the battery itself. Often, a battery will have voltage, but not cranking power. Almost all parts places have a tool they can check your battery while it is still on the car. They can test it with the engine off, then on, then with the lights on.
If the battery is good, then clean all connections thoroughly.

 

THANKS SOARING....that's what is was!!

learned an easy wau to check also: (disclaimer!!!!!!! only do this on older cars without a cpu or computer....pull the ground off the battery and if dies you know is the regulator)

 

That will only tell you if it is the charging system or the battery. It will not isolate it between the altenator and the regulator.

 

True dat. Never take the battery connections off a car that is running.

 

ok....car parts guy did it to my car and knew it was the regulator....guess probably since I just changed out my alternator then....

so how would I use a voltmeter to do it right (if ever a next time or to help someone else with same problem)???

thanks

man these cars are easy to work on....big parts and lots of room (at least with my little inline 6)

 

when i listen to my stereo when my car is off, meaning i turn the key the oppisite direction my alternator light turns on and stays on. Is this normal??