I have a 1969 Jeep gladiator with an electrical issue. I replaced the alternator and changed the belts. Then I noticed it wasn’t charging. So then I replaced the voltage regulator both battery cables and cleaned up the alternator wires and positive lead. I tested the positive lead with a multimeter and it was the same voltage as the battery, when running and off. Also, the light that would indicate that the battery isn’t charging does not come on anymore, and things like the wipers, and heater blower only work when the engine is off. Please help
If the BATT light doesn't even come on with the key in the ON position it's a pretty good hint that you should check for battery voltage (12 volts) at the voltage regulator's "IGN" terminal.
The alternator wont be getting any voltage to activate it through the "F" terminal on the voltage regulator without power going to the "IGN" terminal.
If you aren't getting 12 volts there, look for a fried fuse or damaged wire.
Also, I'm not too sure that your wipers and heater blower should be working in the "KEY OFF" position so your ignition switch may also be suspect
I just replaced the alternator again, and I don’t think I’m able to test the voltage regulator, it’s all in a case. I’ll look for a damaged or blown fuse of wire. Also, the accessories were working with the ignition switch on. They do not activate with the switch off
You don't have to open the voltage regulator. Just test the IGN wire that's supposed to be providing 12 volts with "Key On" to it at its connection
Replaced the bulb indicating if it’s charging, and that worked, I found the ignition wire, tested the continuity and it’s good. Battery still isn’t charging. Any other ideas?
So when you say you have continuity at the IGN connector to the voltage regulator I assume you have around 12 volts +- there.
It's time to put battery voltage to the alternator to confirm it can work.
So unplug the voltage regulator. You tested the IGN terminal on the connector so you know which one that is.
One of the other terminals on the connector is Ground (the E terminal in the diagram I previously posted)
If it isn't marked, use your multimeter to figure out which one it is.
The remaining terminal on the connector is the Field terminal. (the F terminal in the diagram I previously posted).
So now, disconnect the connector from the voltage regulator.
Start the Jeep, if you need to use a charger or jumpstart, get it started and then remove the jumper cables.
Now use a small piece of wire to jump the IGN terminal and the F terminal on the voltage regulator's (unplugged) connector.
Assuming you have battery voltage on the IGN wire to the connector, by jumping it to the F terminal on the connector you are bypassing the voltage regulator and providing battery voltage to the alternators F input.
While you have the jumper wire in, hook up your multimeter (DC 20 Volt range) and test the output on the alternator's large B+ output connection that the large battery cable is connected to.
See if it's providing around 14 volts. If it is, don't keep the jumper wire hooked up for long as, without the voltage regulator, the alternator could overcharge the battery.
If it isn't, and assuming the alternator is good, there's a wiring problem between that voltage regulator connector and the alternator's connector
If you can, provide the brand/part numbers of your alternator and voltage regulator.
I'd like to see the connectors on them
Does that have the Motorola alternator like 1960s Ramblers? (I know the Rambler inline six was the base engine on those.) If so the bulb in the dash is part of the charging circuit and the alternator will not charge if that bulb is burned out.
It may be, but this Jeep was made before amc acquired them, so I’m not sure. That may be it though. It was working on the old alternator however
It may be, but this Jeep was made before amc acquired them, so I’m not sure. That may be it though. It was working on the old alternator however
Jeep bought a lot of stuff from AMC even before they were acquired. Not sure if Jeep used the same Motorola charging system that AMC did even on the engines they bought from AMC though. (I think in '69 the straight six was AMC's but if you have a V8 by that time Jeep had switched to a Buick 350 rather than the AMC 327 which had gone out of production. The Buick 350 would likely have a GM/Delco alternator.)
If the charge light comes on when the ignition turns on though it's a moot point since the bulb would be working and providing the trickle of current needed by the alternator. If your truck has the Motorola alternator and solid-state regulator I have some AMC shop manuals that cover it.
I just looked in the manual, the voltage regulator is a Motorola model, could that be it?
Yes I have the Buick 350 and it is a gm 3 wire alternator
Can confirm: in the manual the 350 Buick motor comes with Motorola alternator and voltage regulator
OK, so even though they are using a GM engine they stuck with the AMC/Motorola charging system. If it uses the same voltage regulator it is potted electronics which cannot be adjusted or opened, and there have been several different variations on the voltage regulator.
Closest factory shop manual I have for your charging system is probably my 1971 AMC tech manual. I've scanned in the alternator and charging system section, maybe this will help:
https://www49.zippyshare.com/v/ZlLz84lY/file.html
So I replaced the bulb that indicates if the battery is charging, now it comes on but it still isn’t charging. Thanks for that manual for the amc electrical system, I’ll take a look
According to that AMC shop manual the voltage regulator for '71 incorporates a resistor in parallel with the bulb so the alternator will work even if the bulb burns out. (I think this was something the earlier Rambler electrical systems didn't have.) AMC used Motorola alternator charging systems from 1964-1974 and there were several revisions along the way.