88jetstar

Hello,

My car wont charge the battery. The battery is good. The car has the orginal style delcotron generator on it. I also for the life of me can not get the charge warning lamp to turn on in the car with the key. I have new bulbs and sockets.

Does the charge lamp not working affect the voltage regulator and generator so that it just never charges?

Should i throw the orignial rebuilt generator on the car?

I need help i have plans to use the car this weekend.

Thank you

MDchanic

I would consider troubleshooting the problem before throwing parts at it and hoping one will fix it.

What voltage is it putting out?

Are all of the connections clean and the wires intact (including the large terminals on the battery)?

Is the regulator properly plugged in?

Follow the troubleshooting instructions in the Chassis Service Manual to find out what's wrong.

- Eric

88jetstar

I can put my volt meter across the battery and rev the car, no change in voltage. It just slowly looses volts. I use the battery terminals to charge it and all is well there.

I get power throughout the car. The only thing i cant get to work is the instrument cluster with the gen/oil/hot/cold lights.

I have a set of moon gauges in the car and thats how i know its not charging at all. I will go for a drive and the volts will fall below 11

MDchanic

So now you need to determine whether the problem is the alternator, the regulator, or the wiring and connections.

A close look at all of the connections and wires is the important first step.

Here's the classic diagram to get you started:



- Eric

88jetstar

Right, does that lamp not working affect the system to the point it wont charge?

stellar

If the resistor in the same circuit is not there it will not charge. If you have a test lite you can feed the #4 terminal at the regulator with it to see if it works then.

88jetstar

So with the key in the ignition and turn to run, with the motor off, only the third pin down on the voltage regulator had power with the test light.

stellar

Open circuit to #4. Connect test lite from bat pos to#4 with alternator and regulator plugs in and see if it charges. Test lite should be lit when connected and go out when car is started. Look for open circuit in #4 circuit.

88jetstar

Where is the resistor in the car?

Cman7713

I just had a similar issue with my Dynamic 88. battery and alt checked out ok. Picked up a new voltage regulator with no change. After continuity checks through all the wires in the system checking out ok I was starting to pull my hair out. It ended up being the 4 wire plug that connects to the voltage regulator being corroded and worn out. cleaned up the terminals and plugged it back in and a solid 14 vdc while the car is running. Your issue may be different as my GEN light was on while not charging. GL to you.

88jetstar

So the line that is supposed to contain the resistor IS the resistor. It is broke so I have a real resistor on the way to repair the issue.