Topic: Battery won't charge

[TALLMANBEAR]

I just bought a 1983 toyota 4x4 pickup. I bought a new alternator and voltage regulater but it still won't charge the battery. My light is on in the dash showing my battery light. Put new battery in it think maybe it was bad but still won't charge. Any help would be great since I am new to the old style Toyota's. I have had 95 4 runners and newer but not one this old and I can't figure it out.

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[Mudder]

I'd start by checking all the plugs throughout the alternator to engine wiring harness. One of the wires could've easily broken with its age. But before you do that start the truck and take a multimeter to the battery and see if your volts go up at all with it started

[TALLMANBEAR [OP]]

With it running it is show 11 volts with the battery hooked up. But if I pull the positive cable it dies like the alternator is bad.

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[OVRAROK]

with it running, have you tried to see volts at alternator, you may have a break in wire

[Snowtoy]

With it running it is show 11 volts with the battery hooked up. But if I pull the positive cable it dies like the alternator is bad.

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Either your alternator isn't charging, or there is an issue with the wiring, you should be around 13-14volts at the battery terminals with it running.

"New parts" from parts houses aren't always new, if the wiring is fine, have the "new alt" tested.

[TALLMANBEAR [OP]]

Ok thanks I will try testing the alternator.  Where is a good place to get a wire diagram for it.

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[kneedownnate]

Do you have a multimeter?  If so (and you should, they'll save your ass) you should pull the harness that plugs into the back of the alternator and runs up to the voltage regulator.  I did on mine after I went through a few alternators from kragen/oreillys and a couple regulators before I realized their original alternator had fried the wiring in that little harness.  I just tested the ohms on each wire till I had one that was wildly different than the others, and ended up finding another 1 or 2 that were none too fresh.

[kneedownnate]

This is cheap and looks nearly identical to the one I bought off the Mac tools truck for quite a bit more:  http://www.sears.com/craftsman-multimeter-digital-with-8-functions-and-20/p-03482141000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&gclid=CIbiqpDzv80CFZRlfgodcI4G9Q&gclsrc=aw.ds

[emsvitil]

There's free coupons all the time for multi-meters at Harbor Freight............

[Gnarly4X]

Hey T,

It's been a couple weeks.  Did you find out why the alternator is not charging?

Thanks,

Gnarls.