Electrical help

[alf892]

I have fitted an alternator to my truck......it was one I took off my daughters Corsa b about 9 years ago when I put power steering on on.

 

I figured Vx=GM=Chevy so it was kind of natural. And cheap.

 

It's only got two wires.......last time I wired an (acr) alternator it was very simple. Feed from switch via a bulb to alternator and big wire from alternator straight to battery.

 

On the truck the keyswitch just powers a relay which then serves a small fuse box for ignition fed bits. Including the alternator.

 

The initial problem was that the alternator was back feeding through the lamp wire when you turned the key off (presumably because engine still turning).....this meant it would not turn off on the key.

 

Fixed this by putting a diode in the circuit.......but now charge light does not go out and it doesn't charge much.

 

Only thing I can think of is alternator is fkd (was deffo good when stored!) or it does not like turning the other way. My knowledge is very old and the old ACRs were not sensitive to this......but are 'modern' ones different?

 

Or can anyone supply a wiring diagram for the charging circuit on a 96 Corsa?

[Asimo]

Where did you put the diode?

[alf892]

In the wire from warning light to alt.......

[Des]

An alternator doesn't give a monkeys what direction it turns, sounds like you've wired the smaller exciter wire to the ign switch live that energises the ign relay, and the alternator is leaking power there when not running and holds onto the relay. You could test this by pulling the small wire from the alt and pop a grounded test lamp on, ign off, it shouldn't light. If it does have a look on Amazon, you might find a new reg for buttons, and complete alternators start at a score.

[alf892]

Thanks Des...........I'll try that tomorrow night