1996 Plymouth Neon Alternator voltage

Tiny
BUSYDAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 PLYMOUTH NEON
My son has a 96 neon I've been trying to fix the charging problem. I replaced the alternator with a new one. It keeps bowing the fuseabe link. When I unhook the main lead from alternator it don't blow it. With the lead off I get 37.3 volts from alternator post to ground. Is that possible or am I doing something wrong with my meter?
Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 AT 11:59 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Is the37.3 volts AC voltage? If it's DC voltage check for a sulfated battery as that can be caused by that. Also check ground from battery to engine make sure it is not corroded or dirty. Same where alternator bolts up.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
BUSYDAD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
That's dc volts. I tested it with the main wire to the battery unhooked from alternator. Posts on battery are clean and tight. Thanks. Have you ever know an alternator to produce that high of voltage?
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Yes but it's always been a battery problem like a sulfated battery or a bad battery. Have it checked at an auto parts.
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC II
  • MEMBER
  • 222 POSTS
IT REALLY AIN'T A GOOD IDEA TO SNATCH A BATTERY CABLE OFF THE BATTERY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING.

YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THAT IN THE GOOD OLE 70's

FUSIBLE LINKS AND VOLTAGE REGULATORS MAY SUFFER (NOT BEING MR. ENGINEER OR NUTHIN', BUT THIS MIGHT HAVE MADE YOUR REGULATOR GO HAYWIRE AND THROW LARGE VOLTAGES)

I'D SNATCH IT OFF AND HAVE AN AUTO PARTS STORE BENCH TEST IT. USUALLY THIS IS A FREE SERVICE

ALWAYS TEST AT THE BATTERY POSTS RUNNING OR NOT

THE MEDIC
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Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 AT 4:05 PM

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