1997 Buick Century charging system

AMIR111

MEMBER
1997 BUICK CENTURY
200,000 MILES

Starter blow. Had it rebuilt and was shown the broken piece. Starts up and runs. But now the battery light, abs, parking light and traction control light is on. I swapped the old alternator with a new one also. And had the battery test and replace the fusible link. I check the connection to the alternator and I have voltage at all points. Also i'm not sure if its me or not but I can hear a sparking type noise coming from the right side of the engine. I have no clue where to start. Thank you for your help in advance

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

What charging voltage are you getting when engine is running?
Perform test between battery terminals and between alternator main post and ground and see what voltages you have.

Since starter was replaced, check the fusibe link between starter and alternator for continuity.

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 8:09 AM

AMIR111

MEMBER
2 POSTS

There isn't a charge to the battery. It reads about 12.06 then drops when the motor is reved. How do you peform a test between the battery terminals and also I replace the fusible link between the starter and alternator.

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 8:15 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

You need a DVOM to perform testing. Set DVOM to 20 volts range and use positive probe on alternator terminal P ( RED wire, thickest in diameter) and ground the other probe to any body or gnein portion. If charge is also 12 vlots or so, the alternator is bad. If you jave more than 13.5 volts, the fusible link from starter solenoid to alternator is bad or you have an open circuit.

Repeat with DVOM with positive probe on positive terminal of battery and negative on negative terminal.

Engine must be running while performing test.

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Tuesday, July 9th, 2013 AT 8:23 AM