Alternator not charging battery.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

So long story short on my m30 swapped car the battery wasn't getting a charge. I test battery it was good i replaced the alternator with a new one and still not getting a charge. I got the power wire on it correctly from the starter and the car starts and there are no shorts in sub harness to alt so its getting 12v. I can test with a mm sometime but I can't imagine its not getting 12v. I have heard that on real early car there was a wire from the gauge cluster that signaled alt to kick on. My car is an 84 so I think it would have this function. I swapped cluster out for a euro could it not be sending signal since its a late model cluster?

[ba114]

Does your battery light come on the dash when in ACC but not running?
If not, the battery wont charge.

Sorry i misread. If you have a late model cluster, there should be a resistor as well as the battery light so if the light fails it doesnt stop the alternator from charging the battery.

[jlevie]

ba114 is correct as to the cluster. The alternator needs exciter power from the cluster to work. Check that connection on the alternator with a meter or test light. If power isn't present work back from there to/though the cluster to find out why.

[stonea]

Are you sure the new alternator works? I went through two on the ix before I got one that worked (1 used and 1 rebuilt)

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Are you sure the new alternator works? I went through two on the ix before I got one that worked (1 used and 1 rebuilt)

It is supposedly tested before they ship it. But I can test it. I havent had time to go out and mess with that car in a while. Poor gal is getting neglected