holding charge problem chevy cav 98 2.2l

[bareman05]

Replaced alt. 2 and comp. and battery.... Still no change in problem. battery test says battery is only charging to 12. volts need help.... Checked wire from alt. says no juice traced wire to under battery but still don't know where it goes .

[CCLaguna]

You might need your ignition switch changed. I had this problem once and thought it was the battery. Sometimes the ignition switch (where you put your key) gets old or messes up in the wiring and ends up not sending enough charge to the battery/engine. Don't really know where it sends charge to, but you know what I mean.

It cost me like $150-$250, can't remember.

[cdru]

What is the charge voltage coming directly off the alternator? It should be arond 14V. You will need to rev the engine to around 1500 RPM to get the maximum charge voltage. Idle speeds don't usually put out the maximum output.

And I know it may sound stupid, but what do your terminals look like? Are they corroded?