This may sound like a stupid question, but im not looking for the basic answer, i know how they work, but what i need to know about how ishow the wiring works, My alternator has 4 terminals on the back. Will an alternator work with only 2 of those terminals full?? A spinning alternator should put out 14V at the BAT terminal wether the other terminals are hooked up or not, correct?? My charging system is not working and the alternator is not putting out any voltage from the BAT terminal( and then not charging the bat). Could this be caused by another wire not being connected? shorted or grounded? or a bad alternator if it doesnt put out any -Jon

 

Is it internally regulated? Or does it require a regulator? The field windings need to be powered up to start the thing making current. If you can check with a Chain auto store that can check it, they can tell you what wire goes to what. As far as it being bad, it could be one of any of the reasons you listed.