1995 Cavalier NOT CHARGING!

[demo_deven]

Hey guys, I have a 95 Cavalier that i'm using for a demo car next Sunday. Anyway, the car isn't charging. I put a fully charged battery in it then drove it over to my buddies where we put a new alternator in. I then drove it back home and by the time I got home, the car died in my driveway. The battery is brand new...the alternator is second hand (but looks like new and worked when it was pulled) so what else would it be? Please tell me ASAP, like I said, the derby is next Sunday! Thanks in advance, Deven.

[shakewell]

You need to be able to check the alternator's output while the car is running. You might be able to find a shop that will do it for free or cheap. Otherwise, take the alternator back off and have them retest it. Also check that the battery light on the dash comes on when you turn the key to the 2nd position and then goes out once you start the engine. It sounds really stupid, but if that light bulb is burned out it might not allow the alternator to charge the battery.

[demo_deven]

Originally Posted by shakewell

You need to be able to check the alternator's output while the car is running. You might be able to find a shop that will do it for free or cheap. Otherwise, take the alternator back off and have them retest it. Also check that the battery light on the dash comes on when you turn the key to the 2nd position and then goes out once you start the engine. It sounds really stupid, but if that light bulb is burned out it might not allow the alternator to charge the battery.

Sorry, forgot to mension that the battery light DOES stay on when the car is running. I figure maybe a computer problem? The ground on it is a bit rusty so i'm going to take it off tomorrow and cross my fingers thats all it is.

[demo_deven]

FOUND THE PROBLEM! After about an hour of checking all the wires, I finally was fooling around with the alternator, and tugged on the brown wire from the alternator. It broke off with the wire leading to the computer somehow Anyways, I connected the two wires back together and wala! Battery holds a charge and the battery light on the dash went off. Thanks for your help shakewell!