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96 Cavalier Charging Problem


RiskyGuy
08-20-2006, 08:00 PM
I'm working on this car - the battery, alternator, and ignition switch have already been changed out. It still will not charge the battery at all. Could it be the current going to the field is regulated by the computer or a module in the computer? Any ideas what could be causing this problem? Thanks for your help!

Blue Bowtie
08-23-2006, 08:48 AM
Field current is not regulated by the PCM. The ignition switch and circuits provide power to the field and the alternator does the rest. Voltage regulation is internal. All you can do is make sure the field connections are intact, and that the field is getting somewhere near 12VDC via the connector.

Is the battery/charge warning lamp working? Some vehicles have a 10A fuse for the field. Look in the underhood electrical center. I know my GMC truck is fuse there.

Blue Bowtie
09-21-2006, 10:05 AM
The alternator field IS controlled by the PCM on later models, such as 2001-up, but should be directly woired on your '96. Just wanted to clarify that.

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