88 240 not charging, checked all i can think of

[93Regina]

external regulator?

If OEM styled alternator is on vehicle, then here's its essence below in pic. Go thru trouble shooting steps suggested in that link posted TWICE.

[cbarth]

OK. does anyone have any realistic thoughts? I don't have the ability to apply 600 volts to the alternator to test the stator insulation or 300 volts to check the rectifier. The third alternator is on the car, it was bench tested before install...I have to believe that the alternator is good.

[lummert]

Are the ground straps from the engine to the firewall still connected?

[cbarth]

I don't see any up near the firewall but I do have them going to the inside of the wheelwell/fender area

[jimmy57]

If they had given you the wrong alt that uses external regulator then it would have a 4 wire plug with nothing plugged into it.
Are you sure belt is tight? Can you turn alternator when engine is off?
Slipping belts don't always make squealing noise.
Have you revved engine past 3500 RPM?
If the red wire has an issue with adequate exciter supply current then it would still charge at full capacity if revved past 3500 RPM.
Does the whole set of warning lights come on when key is switched on before engine starts?

Large aluminum relay is the headlight relay for high and low beam.

[93Regina]

Pulley - Was the pulley removed?

If so, was there a key-stock there...removed?

[cbarth]

looked at the relay closer, correct on the lights- thanks.
Don't have a tach but I've revved pretty high, I would have to believe I got it over 3500.
The entire set of warning lights comes on when the key is turned on.
The belt is pretty worn, I'll get a new one today cause that's about the last thing I can think of. It definitely doesnt appear to be slipping but watching it with the naked eye is impossible to tell if it's keeping up.

Key stock from where? The shaft/pulley on the alternator?

[93Regina]

The entire set of warning lights comes on when the key is turned on.

Yes...when engine is running, are they on?

RE: Key stock from where?

Correct term is "woodruff key" This is pic from power steering, but many pulley setups use a woodruff key

[cbarth]

I know what a woodruff key or key stock is.... no, the pulley is not free spinning
Lights are not on when car is running

[1choice]

I seem to be having the same problem.


While I was driving a few hours ago, my radio started flicking on and off, then my dash instruments stopped working, my RPM gauge dropped, everything went dark, at that moment it was draining my battery, and finally it died. I just happened to get into a gas station parking lot.

While trying to figure out what was wrong with it, I turn on the accessory, radio comes on, not enough juice to start but, right after I turn the headlights on or even the fan it makes the radio "pop", and the radio goes dark.


All fuses where fine.

All wires to alt, looked and felt fine.

Red wire from battery was hot.

Got it towed back home, hooked up the charger and it's not doing it anymore.

If I had any hair I would be yanking it out.


Literally just changed the main engine harness on it 10 days ago, only to find it was a combination of the AMM and the S****y connector on harness that goes to the ignition control module. I was so close to replacing the distributor too. After all the trouble shooting said it was the impulse sender, nope. Only stopped because it was rust-locked. It was actually, the crap connector they used has hidden prongs in it that get bent back making it not contact with the ICU. What is it with all these really s****y electrical connections in these things?

and now yet another GD hidden electrical fault that's going to leave me stranded at any moment.