Charging System (Experts Please)

[dpclarkjr]

Anyone have an exact list of what could be causing my charging system to act up? I have a 2000 concorde and I stay 10 miles from the nearest place to get the car's computer read... Ive replaced the altenator and gotten the battery checked... If i get the car jumped off It'll die down withing the first 10 minutes... any answers... please help... you'll be helping a young college student save a little money.

[G.A.S.]

process of elimination is what you need.
First off, How was the bat. checked?
A battery should be at full charge after being fully charged by a battery charger, Not a car, then a proper load test done.
As for the charging system a simpel test you can do is
Fire up the car and take the NEG terminal off the battery, the car should stay running.
If not than I would re-check the new alternator. I have gotten new starters, alternators and what not bad in the box. Bought new batteries too and had problems with holding a charge.
Are the terminals clean?
Do you have a 12 volt test meter?

[AWP9521]

I believe there is a fuse for the alternator in the Power Distribution Box, if so check that.

[rebuildshop]

Do NOT remove the negative battery post when the car is running unless you can afford to buy a computer and or an alternator!!! If your alternator is charging when you do this, the output volts will sky rocket (50+ volts) causing computer damage and or blowing diodes. To see if the alternator is charging make sure you have 12 volts at the main alternator output (this is fused) make sure you have 12 volts at both wires on the alternnator plug with key on and only one wire with the key off. Check to see if you have 13.5 to 14.5 volts at the battery when the car is running. Does the car star right up after it dies? Or do you have to jump it? If everything checks out from above, you probably are haveing cable connection problem if you have to jump it to get started. If it starts right up after it dies it could be a number of things like ignition switch or wire shorting out ect. Having you computer scanned is a waste of money unless the "check engine" light is on

There are a few other things to check, but these are the most common.
email me if you need any help. I own my own auto electric shop and have been doing this for over 20 years