Replaced alternator now car will not crank

Tiny
CHDGARRETSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 200,000 MILES
Had charging system failure come on so I tested the battery and it’s good so I undid the negative wire from the battery and got an alternator and had to replace the plug I broke taking it off and noticed a little spark off one of the little wires when I was stripping the wires to put new plug on. Got it all back together and I have dash lights, headlights, radio, gauges and interior lights but the car will not crank I hear a click in the fuse box When you turn the key to start and that’s all it does.
Friday, December 27th, 2019 AT 9:48 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If you are only getting a click then this is most likely the relay clicking. If that is the case then you may not have enough voltage on the starter wire to turn the starter. You need about 12 volts to turn the starter. This doesn't mean the battery is the issue. If you have a connection issue it will cause low voltage at the starter. Measure voltage at the starter on the purple wire and ground while cranking. Let me know what this voltage is and we can go from there. The other major cause is the relay itself, again this is all assuming the battery is okay.
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Friday, December 27th, 2019 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
CHDGARRETSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, the battery is good the starter was checked and is good. I have 12.6 on the big wire on the alternator, fuses are good. The lights all work and gauges sweep when you turn the key and still no cranking when you turn the key and the battery cables are tight.
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Saturday, December 28th, 2019 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. If you have 12 volts on the alternator but what do you have at the starter when cranking?
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Saturday, December 28th, 2019 AT 7:17 PM

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