Altenator in my 1994 chevy suburban k1500.
Asked by Otto1948 Dec 19, 2014 at 05:31 PM about the 1994 Chevrolet Suburban K1500 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Just replaced my altenator with a known good unit. I have a GM code scanner and it
shows no problem. Put multimeter on battery (engine not running) and got 12.5 volts.
Put multimeter between altenator and battery (engine not running) with normal results.
Started engine and got a voltage drop between the alt and the battery of about 2 - 3
volts. Amp meter on dashboard still shows in the red at the low end. I'm at a loss.
8 Answers
There's no ammeter. unless you have added electrical equipment. Voltage drop is always voltage lost to heat. Voltage drops are the result of passing thru a conductor with a resistance. Air gap, looseness, internally corroded, coated with an insulative substance, dirt, too many washers, non conductive parts, cheese, crackers, what have you ?
Connect a new wire of your own between the battery and the output on the back of the alternator, full field it. does the voltage increase ?
have you blown fuses, fusible links, inline fuses ?
Is the alternator plug ok? connector is not at fault for the wires that plug in? Did you disconnect anything else and forget perhaps???
Thanks Dannyl. You gave me a lot to think about. Will start checking all that you suggested.
There is something wrong with the wire or connection between the alternator and the battery
Yea. I came to the same conclusion. Even when my GM code scanner showed no problem. I hate trying to trace down electrical problems. Done it in the past though. Guess I'll have to do it again. My thanks to all for your advice.
