88 240 not charging, checked all i can think of

1choice · Post by **1choice** » 02 Aug 2014, 23:53

BTW, don't rule out the ignition switch or the door locking solenoid, both are known to cause this problem.

Silver Brick · Post by **Silver Brick** » 03 Aug 2014, 02:39

I had very similar problems with my '84. Only after running a temporary ground wire from the alternator case to one of the upper strut mounting bolts did my battery start charging as it should. I don't know if my former mechanic's hammer wielding helper left off the ground strap or what, but that temporary wire was replaced by a permanent grounding strap.

cbarth · Post by **cbarth** » 03 Aug 2014, 11:55

I've run a ground direct to the battery (as well as a hot direct to the battery and an exciter wire direct). Still cant get it ti charge. I'm about to give up

1choice · Post by **1choice** » 03 Aug 2014, 12:08

have you tried running it with high RPMs? they say with a high enough RPM it will naturally create the magnetic field it needs to start charging.

1choice · Post by **1choice** » 03 Aug 2014, 12:12

BTW, here is where I got that info: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =2&t=26627

Beware though, there starts to be some conflicting info about halfway dealing with whether or not the battery or alt bulb is functioning. -Seems more people are of the opinion +12V starts running through both sides of the terminal for that bulb cancelling itself out.

1choice · Post by **1choice** » 03 Aug 2014, 15:27

Hey man I made you a picture.

Whatever is going on, this is the proper wiring for OEM:

Giant pic:

Only thing I can think of why it's not charging is either *exciter or *ground.
If it's exciter then you should check that grey box at the firewall to make sure the wiring isn't all eaten away. If so then you'll need to wrap each wire individually with gorilla tape or something equally strong enough to stop the problem unlit you can get a new harness or replacement wires.

I found out what was wrong with mine. -The previous owner's high dollar mechanic.

I should have put orientation in the image, but it's very easy to get mixed up with that lower bolt for the bushes and the post for the ground. It might actually work if you connected the ground to one of those brush/regulator bolts, but I don't know. For you, since you haven't mentioned anything about that grey box connector, you really need to check that. it starts looking like a rat's nest of copper and causes all sorts of ignorant problems.

Silver Brick · Post by **Silver Brick** » 03 Aug 2014, 17:30

Go to kjet.org. Look under Green books. Find the one for Battery, Alternator, & Starter. It may or may not be listed for an '88, but maybe it'll help you.

cbarth · Post by **cbarth** » 04 Aug 2014, 20:29

Thanks. I know I'm wired correctly, 12V on the exciter and I know I'm grounded... I've even run direct leads to B+ D+ and ground.... Thanks all for your help

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 04 Aug 2014, 20:55

The 12V exciter wire usually has an indicator bulb between the source and the alternator. The purpose of this bulb is not just an indicator.

1choice · Post by **1choice** » 07 Aug 2014, 15:40

lummert wrote:The 12V exciter wire usually has an indicator bulb between the source and the alternator. The purpose of this bulb is not just an indicator.

That bulb seems to be pretty important as it's being used in a interesting way. They say when everything is working right, both sides to it give positive current, cancelling each other out.

88 240 not charging, checked all i can think of

Re: 88 240 not charging, checked all i can think of