SPONSORED LINKS

After installing a rebuilt alternator, the battery gauge reading started to drop and the car shut off, why?

Tiny
BEASTY83
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD MUSTANG
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,100,000 MILES
I recently purchased a refurbished alternator, after installing it I started the car and then the car shut off shortly after. I had to jump to get it started and I had the alternator wires disconnected and then I connected the alternator wires and then the battery gauge started to drop, and the car shut off. What do you recommend? Thank you
SPONSORED LINKS
Saturday, August 13th, 2022 AT 11:03 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The alternator could have a faulty voltage regulator and not able to provide proper output to the battery.
Did you have the same issue before replacing the alternator?

Testing the alternator should be the first step.
It should have output of 13.6V - 15.2V to the battery while in idle.

Take a look at this helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 14th, 2022 AT 4:07 PM
Tiny
BEASTY83
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
I had my old alternator tested and it was good and the refurbished one was good too. Should I check the fuses, and which one am I looking for?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Just to make sure, did the alternator get tested out of the vehicle or while it was on the vehicle.

There should be a fusible link located in the fuse box under the hood. If the link is blown then the alternator will be unable to charge the battery.

See wiring schematics below.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
BEASTY83
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
It got tested at AutoZone with the alternator out of the car.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Check for the fusible links and let me know what you find.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
BEASTY83
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
Okay, problem fixed. It was the fusible links. Thank God. Thank ya'll.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
You are welcome!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
BEASTY83
  • MEMBER
  • 38 POSTS
Yes, my #20 fuse Gen is still blowing, and it blows after I drive for like 30 minutes. Are there any other fuses I need to check or what do I do?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
You could have a wiring issue. First check is to do a visual check of the ground wire. You can use the wiring schematics above for your reference.

Here is a helpful guide on how to check wiring:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 30th, 2022 AT 9:05 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

How to Read Codes
VIDEO
How to Read Codes
Instructional repair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An engine that stalls while driving and then starts back up again, either immediately or after a short time is different from an engine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links