Hi Everyone,

My battery must not being charged cuase after 3+ days it is dead. I can re-charge it and I'm good to go a few more days. This is in a 65 Mustang with 6 cyl 200. I looked at the alternator and it has the wires attached on with a nut rather than a plug. If I bring the alternator to an auto store, can they check one like this? And if the alternator is fine, what would be my next place to check on the car?

Thanks!

Warren

 

Do a full-field test on the charging system, if the voltage pegs out, the alt is OK and the regulator is bad.

There is no plug on the back of the alts in Mustangs, the plug is in the wiring between the alt and solenoid.

Any decent auto parts store can test an alternator, but with the full-field test you can check it in the car.

 

I'm not sure doing a full field test is a good idea for the novice. He might be better off just taking it to AutoZone.

 

I disagree. Just supply battery voltage to the field while monitoring voltage at the battery for A FEW SECONDS....if you see a major increase in batt volts, it's reg or wiring issue. Even a novice can do it.

 

Hi, can someone tell me the steps for doing a full field test on it? Although I do not know the procedure, I consider myself a little above a novice since I do most work on the car myself including electrical. I'm just still learning more as I go. I have not had a chance to get to the car with the holidays and all but need to have it going this week. Since my Avalanche transmission went out I get to go camping with my Mustang with the Cub Scouts! Atleast its local...

Warren

 

I just read in another forum that if a wire is loose or problems in your instrument cluster that it will cause the alternator not to charge. I have not changed anything on mine but possible something could have come loose. Just a thought. A replacement alternator is only $29 at Advance Auto Parts so I may just pick one up today anyways. I put a new voltage regulator in earlier this year after it fried my battery!