alternator trouble
rastus
08-20-2005, 02:12 PM
Hello,
I have a 1985 BMW 325e, I really like this car. I have done some parts replacement and "scheduled" maintenance. Now however I am having trouble with the charging system.
What I have done, I have charged the battery, not tested but it holds a charge over night. The connections are clean and tight. I have replaced the alternator, twice. I am using the autolite not the bosch, the local parts store only carries the one ( I live in Alaska, not many options). The first one charged intermittently, and the second one seemed totally dead. The test light indicates current through the power wire ( the large nut on the back of the alternator). But the exciter wire is not showing a positive test( the small nut on the back of the alternator). The belt is tight, the ground is good, and the resistor is in place. What I have discovered is that if I attach the alligator clip from the test light to the exciter stud connection. Then touch a positive post in the diagnostic connector that triggers the alternator to begin charging and it will continue to do so as long as the vehicle runs. But when I turn the ignition off and restart the vehicle I must re-jump the alternator to make it charge. So, I guess my question is. Is there a fuse or a relay that exists in the exciter line? And if so, where is that and how do I get to it?
If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Dan
I have a 1985 BMW 325e, I really like this car. I have done some parts replacement and "scheduled" maintenance. Now however I am having trouble with the charging system.
What I have done, I have charged the battery, not tested but it holds a charge over night. The connections are clean and tight. I have replaced the alternator, twice. I am using the autolite not the bosch, the local parts store only carries the one ( I live in Alaska, not many options). The first one charged intermittently, and the second one seemed totally dead. The test light indicates current through the power wire ( the large nut on the back of the alternator). But the exciter wire is not showing a positive test( the small nut on the back of the alternator). The belt is tight, the ground is good, and the resistor is in place. What I have discovered is that if I attach the alligator clip from the test light to the exciter stud connection. Then touch a positive post in the diagnostic connector that triggers the alternator to begin charging and it will continue to do so as long as the vehicle runs. But when I turn the ignition off and restart the vehicle I must re-jump the alternator to make it charge. So, I guess my question is. Is there a fuse or a relay that exists in the exciter line? And if so, where is that and how do I get to it?
If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Dan
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