96 s10 won't charge

I have a 96 s10, 4.3L. Battery wont charge. The battery is brand new and the alternator tested out ok at an electric shop. Where should I go from here?

If the alternator is really good it pretty much has to be the main wires, or a big battery drain somewhere.

Whoever tested your alternator should have run a couple of more tests.... at least the wires.

If they just checked the voltage it might still be the alternator. You need to test AMOUNT of electric produced as well as volts. Plus, what did they show the voltage output to be? A lot of people thinks 12 volts is fine, but not on these vehicles. HAS to be over 13, say 13.5-14 volts plus. Could be the alternator has a bad regulator? Maybe cables shot, bad ground. If wires are OK take it to Advance Auto parts to be tested.


PS - get the battery checked too, not unheard of for a new one to be bad. Happens from time to time....

Check your ignition fuse labeled IGN if I remember right. I have had the same problem. There is a circuit on your alternator (plug with two wires on it) It sends a signal to the alternator when you turn the key on to start charging. If the fuse is blown the alternator won't charge, although the alternator will check out OK if you test it, because the tester sends the signal to the alternator. When my fuse was blown my Ammeter and fuel gauge also stopped working. Good luck.

well if they tested the alternator and said it was good it MIGHT not be putting out enough amperage which is usually where they start to fail. go to a shop and have them test the maximum output of the alternator, it should be about 100amps. if its not that then you probably have a nice drain somewhere.