Replaced altinator and still not charging?

Question

I have a 90 chevy corsica that I replaced the alternator in but it wont charge the battery still. the belt needs to be changed but it is turning the the alt. and no squealing of any kind. what else could it be?

Answer 1

First off the alternator does not charge the battery, it allows the battery to maintain the proper voltage when components of the car draw it down.  I believe there is a Alternator or main relay on those cars that should be checked.  It will be in the under hood compartment on the drivers side.  

Other than that you should have your battery checked because if you have a bad cell in the battery, the alternator won't make a difference.  Also check to make sure your negative battery terminal is nice, clean and tight on both ends especially the end that is bolted to battery tray body ground.  

Last I would suspect a defective alternator, it is possible especially if you bought it used or from Autozone..

Answer 2

test alternator...voltmeter less than 10 dollars...advance or zone will test alt/battery for free.  check for crappy battery/bad connections

Answer 3

What do you think charges the battery? The battery fairy?

Do like Pedro says and get a cheap voltmeter. That will tell you if the alternator if putting out the 14 volts or so that it should be. It might just be a bad battery.