charging system on 98 chev.cavalier

[stevieboy]

I'm having a problem with the charging system on a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. It's a 4 cylinder 2200 sf.The battery lead that plugs into the alternator is only delivering 3.5 volts so the charging system will not charge the battery. When I connect a direct line to the alternator's battery lead and run it to the battery, the charging system works great. Does anyone know where the battery lead goes to after it leaves the alternator and runs into the harness? Am I looking for a hidden solenoid or relay that it travels to? If so does anyone knows where it would be located? Stuck in Jersey,Stevie

Thanks

[99cavguy]

The problem might just be that the wire has a cut in it or has degraded somehow... my suggestion would be replacing it and if taht doesnt work just post another message and 'ill try to help you out with it

[stevieboy]

Originally Posted by 99cavguy

The problem might just be that the wire has a cut in it or has degraded somehow... my suggestion would be replacing it and if taht doesnt work just post another message and 'ill try to help you out with it

looks like the wire can use replacing,i'll try that first cause with a direct line from alt to the battery it works fine.Sounds like a plan. I'll let you know how I make out, thanks,stevie

[stevieboy]

Originally Posted by stevieboy

looks like the wire can use replacing,i'll try that first cause with a direct line from alt to the battery it works fine.Sounds like a plan. I'll let you know how I make out, thanks,stevie

A wire in the harness that connects to the starter and runs to the alternator had a connector that melted away,possibly due to a bad crimping job at an earlier time.Replaced the wire and the charging system works great. So far,so good,Thanks,Steve

[spinktec]

It's a fuseable link, probably down by the starter. You can buy new ones (color coded, orange probably) in the Help section of most autoparts stores. It's basically a fuse that looks like a wire, just ask for a fuseable link.