Topic: Alt Light

[ChrisV289]

OK I did something stupid tonight...Was trying to change the wire on the automatic choke (goes on stud with black boot) and the washer on the back of the alternator went inside the alternator a little bit and there was a little spark...Got everything put back together and when I went to turn the car on the alternator light didn't come on...So the question is, what did I screw up?  Is there a fuse I blew or did I mess up the alternator at all?

[Bob Gaines]

OK I did something stupid tonight...Was trying to change the wire on the automatic choke (goes on stud with black boot) and the washer on the back of the alternator went inside the alternator a little bit and there was a little spark...Got everything put back together and when I went to turn the car on the alternator light didn't come on...So the question is, what did I screw up?  Is there a fuse I blew or did I mess up the alternator at all?

It sounds like you might have blown a diode. I would take it to a auto parts store or Alternator /starter rebuld shop that will test it. Bob

[ChrisV289]

OK, so they tested the alternator and it seemed to pass but I went ahead and bought a new alternator anyway.  Installed and the alternator light still won't light up...Could the light bulb just burnt out or is there a fuse somewhere or some other thing I should look out for...


Chris

[CharlesTurner]

Test and/or replace the bulb in the instrument cluster just to be sure.

[ChrisV289]

Changed the light bulb and it still won't light up.....More thoughts as to what the problem is?

[CharlesTurner]

Check the plug connections at the voltage regulator.  Sometimes the plugs can get pushed up and not make contact.

Otherwise, I'd say get the shop manual/wiring schematic out and track it down.

[ChrisV289]

Thanks Charles, that was the problem...The connection on that voltage regulator is very loose, must of came off when I was dusting down the engine compartment...Probably didn't have to change the alternators out then....Oh well, it will suffice till I get a correct one...