New alternator and battery. Wont start again...stuck at work!

[ts128158]

Ok I fixed my problem with the belt tension on my alternator. No more burning or squeeling. But now after the new battery and alternator, I'm only running off the battery...and the car is dead...again...and I'm stuck at work...again...I've jumped this car with the new battery and alt. about 1/2 a dozen times could that be the problem did I fry something out? I checked the connections on the alt. they were fine but when I was prying up the boot on the red wire with a screw driver I touched the post and the alt. bracket and got a few sparks with the car off. Should there be power running to that with the car off? I dont know if thats related but I thought I'd throw that out there. So, what are my likely problems? Did I fry something from jumping, is it just a coinsidence that the alt. isnt working. Oh its a 85 ciera 2.5l 4cyl. Any help would be great!!!

[ts128158]

I was reading some where on another site about a different car. But I think this may occur too. These cars have a really poor electrical system right? I mean as far as charging and diming headlights when you turn on the dome light or wipers and such. My radiator fan runs constantly. Could that be drawing all my power from the alt. keeping my battery from charging? I mean this fan starts up even if I turn to start and dont start the car when its been cold overnight. Is that a possiblility? Thanks for any help!

[GTP Dad]

If I were you I would take the alternator and have it tested. There is a possibility that it has shorted out when you arced the screwdriver. Also, pull the connections from the battery and make sure they are clean. If there is any problem with the battery connections, that will cause it not to take a charge. Also, if the alternator is good then make sure the connection on the back of the alternator is good and clean too. You may also want to check the connections and fusable links at the starter. If one is burnt then it can prevent a charge from going to the battery. Finally, recharge the battery with a charger, it may be too low for the alternator to recharge it just by running.

[ts128158]

It was running on just the battery prior to the arc. I double checked all the connections. The battery terminals/bolts are clean and straight. And I used some dielectric silicone spray on the connections on the alt.. I dont know if its related but I disconected the fuse on my fan since it was constantly running. On a dead battery, the car was jumped faster and held the charge after only being jump for 3-5 mins as opposed to 20mins-1/2hour. now that the fuse is pulled. The car started right up as well after pulling the fuse and only running for 5 mins after the jump. Where before with the fuse in after the 20 min. jump the car would die if I turned it off then back on. So I think I may have found the problem. Do you think that could be it? Thank you again for you help and replies!!

[GTP Dad]

It is entirely possible that there is a short in the fan causing the battery to drain and not allowing charge to go to the battery from the alternator. Keep an eye on it to see what happens. Also, you may want to look into another fan or at least a fan relay to see if you can get this corrected. Although winter is coming on you still need the fan for cooling purposes. Good Luck!

[ts128158]

Ugh...it didnt work. I pulled the fuse while driving without any problems..except for the fact the car is still running only on the battery. In the next couple of days I'll be testing the alt. and such. I probably fried it with all the jumping and varying belt tensions. Luckly it has a 1 year warranty. Thank you for your help.