The charging system just went blank

BUMF

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER
178,000 MILES

The charging system just went blank, Wife got it home on the battery. I used multi meter and the alternator was not charging, replaced with New not rebuild alternator, charged for about 30 seconds and started smoking and was hot to the touch. Prior to the problem I had jumped started a 87 Chev Celebrity several times in a few minutes. Is the battery and new alternator shot? I checked my wiring, no spark areas, everything looks good.

Monday, November 21st, 2011 AT 2:08 AM

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It is possible that the alternator is defective and stopped working likely due to a bad voltage regulator.

The best way to know if the alternator is good is to remove it from the vehicle and bench test it. Most of your local auto parts stores will have alternator bench tester. They can test the output and give you the result.
This way you will know if the issue is a bad alternator or wiring.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-alternator

Let me know the outcome of the bench test.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Thank you.

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