Charging problem, need help!

[ofairlane]

I have explained this in previous posts and I am still unsure what is next.

I have a 99 Legacy with a new battery, third alternator(all 3 were good) and no dash warning lite and no charging.

I understand the system requires that the light needs to work for the charging system to work also. The problem is finding the problem. Is it in harness, ignition switch, fuse box, etc..

I have seen other members modify this problem by wiring from an ignition hot wire, to the T connector on the Alt. I don't have a T connector, there are only 2 wires in my connector, one 10 ga. white wire( hot ) and one Blk/ Yel or Blk/Wht, I can't tell the difference.

Has anyone done this mod with this type of setup and what is the long term results?

I do plan on correcting the problem, I just need to get the car on the road and out of my mechanics garage.

All help would be appreciated and if you like you can email me also at ofairlane@optonline.net.

Thanks again in advance .

DanO

[Cougar]

DanO,

 

The alternator warning light should turn on when the ignition key is turned from the OFF to the On position. If it doesn't, then check the lamp to see if it is ok. It may be burned out and this is the most likely problem.

 

If the lamp is ok then start the car and check the voltage on the smaller wire. It should be near the battery voltage if that is ok.

[Tiny Clark]

Ditto on Cougar's post. If the light isn't on when the key is turned on, this usually means the bulb is shot, then the 12 volts excitation voltage won't get to the alternator. The wire runs from the key switch, thru a fuse and on to the alt via the blk/wt wire.

 

You could probably use any 12 volts that comes on with the key in the run position. As a matter of fact, you could also hook a bulb up in line and have the same set-up, but why not just pull the instrument cluster?

 

If you bypass the bulb, you won't know if you have a charging problem.

[ofairlane]

Problem has been fixed, sort of, I had a bypass wire wired from an ignition switched fuse to the alternator. This wire provides 12V to the diodes to exite and therefore the system is charging now. This is just a temporary fix till I locate the original problem, in the meantime I think I will wire in an ammeter to give me peace of mind.

Thanks to everyone for your help, this is why I joined this club and to give any help when needed also.

DanO