Changed Alternator, but still not charging??

[Toe-side]

The alternator was tested on a Z and showing 14v? But it wasn't tested on your Z?

[sk93]

I believe the rectifier is integral to the unit... as in, it's the black box attached to the arse end of the unit.

Certainly, the power cable coming off the alternator seems to go straight into the main power loom.

[sk93]

The alternator was tested on a Z and showing 14v? But it wasn't tested on your Z?

Correct. My zed was in Nottingham and the unit in Birmingham.

[Toe-side]

The lead from the alternator should go down to the starter, connect to starter and then then another lead, connected at the same point on the starter goes back to the Jump point on the bulk head and then to the battery.
Trying to check whether the voltage levels are different at the bulk head and battery when the car is running.

[sk93]

The lead from the alternator should go down to the starter, connect to starter and then then another lead, connected at the same point on the starter goes back to the Jump point on the bulk head and then to the battery.
Trying to check whether the voltage levels are different at the bulk head and battery when the car is running.

followed the cables and they are as you say.
voltage is 11.84v

[dario]

There is probably a connection / relay the determines when the alternator is allowed to charge? For lower fuel consumption/ over run charging etc. you should have the major lead connected to the back of the alternator, but you will also need a deli supply ( start excitation of the alternator- used to be via the ignition light / switch in the old days)

I recon the alternator is not being commanded to charge by the cars electronics!

[Toe-side]

So 11.84v at the bulk head and battery both roughly the same? What about the out put from the alternator what is it reading?

[Taz]

if it was me, i would not be looking at where cables go, if you say there is 0V direct at the alternator then that's fault found, even if you there is no lad on the alternator i would still expect 14V at the out going terminal of the alternator

its probably not possible, but if you could wire a 12V lamp direct to the alternator then that would prove for certain

[Taz]

There is probably a connection / relay the determines when the alternator is allowed to charge? For lower fuel consumption/ over run charging etc. you should have the major lead connected to the back of the alternator, but you will also need a deli supply ( start excitation of the alternator- used to be via the ignition light / switch in the old days)

I recon the alternator is not being commanded to charge by the cars electronics!

sounds very feasible, but would the alternator still not produce a DC supply?

[Toe-side]

Agree
We need to know what is coming out of the alternator

[fixit man]

check out this link about checking charging and bad connections using voltage drop !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTGz0PKIl84

he knows what he's talking about !

[Stark]

Anyone thought to call out breakdown service? Could be a quick solution and let someone else sort it

[Z4M-2006]

Its odd that your seeing 0v when the car is running at the B post of the alternator. You should at least see battery voltage,as that is what should be coming down the cable to the starter/alternator.

If the car is running and the voltage drops to 0v,and then then car is stopped running the voltage goes to battery voltage then you have either an internal short in the alternator or earth/wiring fault.

Does the alternator have 2 other wires in connector? If so,one for battery light,and other is 12v in...

You need to check all wiring,pins and connectors as it sounds to be like you havent connected something correctly,damaged connectors or have a bad chassis earth.

[Toe-side]

check out this link about checking charging and bad connections using voltage drop !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTGz0PKIl84

he knows what he's talking about !

Good video fixit man .....well delivered by Eric no BS

[sk93]

in that vid, he talks about bypassing the ecu control of the alternator (full field test).
any idea how to do that on our car?