Charging Problems?

Question

I have a 1986 Buick Somerset Limited 3.0L V6, When i bought it, it wasn't charging I was told it needed a new Alternator, so I picked one up and it still wasn't charging, So I bought a new battery, New battery cables and I have cleaned the Ground and moved it onto another ground bolt. I tried running a wire straight from the Bolt on the Alternator to the Positive battery cable with no luck. I checked the Alternator with a Volt meter, by touching the Bolt on the Alternator with the Positive side of the meter and the negative side of the battery with the negative, It says its getting 5.0V or less, I don't know what else to do.

Anybody Got any Ideas?

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Answer 1

It could be possible that the new alternator isn't working correctly (sometimes bad parts get shipped to the store). The alternator is the only accessory that can charge the battery.  Get the alternator checked.

If the alternator is good, ask the parts store if your car has a Voltage Regulator that is separate from the alternator.

Here's a long explanation on finding a voltage drain:  You need a test light (Basic version is $8).  First make sure the light functions properly by touching the contacts to the battery terminals.( the bulb should light)

Disconnect the Negative battery cable.      With the car off, hook the test light between the negative post and the negative cable.    If the light is off, there is no voltage drain.   If the light is on, there is a voltage drain.   If the light is on, disconnect the plugs on the alternator, if the light goes out when you unplug the alternator, the problem is the alternator.   If the light stays on when you disconnect the alternator, you must check elsewhere.  It's very easy;  Go to the Fuse Panel and remove  and re-insert the fuses one by one.   If the light goes out when you remove a certain fuse, that is the circuit that is draining power from the battery.  If you find a bad circuit, then you have to go from there.

Here's a simple summary as to why the voltage drain test works:  If the car is off and the ignition switch is off, then there should not be any power flowing through the system.  If any power is flowing through the system, it must pass through the Negative wire on the battery.  When the test light is connected between the battery terminal and the loose battery cable, the current flow will cause the bulb to light, letting you know that electricity is flowing.

Answer 2

Sounds like a bad alternator it happens somtimes

Answer 3

I hate electrical problems,

it could be something else drawing off the current. try pulling the fuses one by one, whilst measuring the voltage. if it goes to a more nominal reading you may have found your problem.