What wires go where on alternator?

What wires go where on alternator?

The three wire types in a three-wire alternator include the battery positive wire, the voltage sensing wire, and the ignition input wire. The battery positive wire connects to the starter. The voltage sensing wire connects to the battery, and the ignition wire connects from the alternator to the key switch.

What are the 3 wires on an alternator?

Remote voltage sense alternators: The three wires connected to the alternator are the positive, negative cables and a third smaller gauge wire connected to the alternator remote sense or (S) terminal. To determine if your vehicle has remote sense, voltage will always be present on this terminal at all times.

Can I wire my alternator directly to my battery?

Attach a cable directly from the alternator output post to the positive side of the battery. This allows for full output from the alternator to the battery when heavy electrical demands are placed on the alternator.

What does R and F mean on an alternator?

The R and F terminals are the ‘Reference’ or voltage sense terminal and the ‘Field’ terminal. The color on the spade connectors doesn’t matter, you will have to use a multimeter to determine which connector goes to which pin. The R will be hot at all times while the F will only be hot when the ignition is keyed on.

Where do the wires go on a 2 wire alternator?

The two wires in an alternator is for 1 is for key ON mains which receives the battery power through the ECM and conducts through the regulator and returns through the other wire to the light on the dash, which goes off once engine starts spinning the alternator.

What is the green wire on an alternator?

The green wire is from the keyed source, or alternator light. This charges the alternator at startup. Once the alternator is running and produces current the green wire will have + voltage on both ends causing the light to go out.

What gauge wire should I use for my alternator?

A 140-amp unit should use a 6-gauge wire, and 4-gauge to the trunk. All 200-amp units should have a 4-gauge wire and a 2-gauge to the trunk.

What happens if alternator is not grounded?

Poor ground connections are a cause of low charging output. There are positive and negative battery cable connections, the BAT+ power connection, and the engine ground strap. Overcharging can be caused by voltage dropping on the negative side.

What cable goes from alternator to battery?

The voltage sensing wire connects to the battery, and the ignition wire connects from the alternator to the key switch. Likewise, what are the two small wires on an alternator? The two wires connected to the alternators are the positive and negative cables.

What does R mean on a alternator?

Relay – Output to charge
A key to help identify alternator terminals. R = Relay – Output to charge relays, etc.

What does S and L mean on an alternator?

S terminal – Senses battery voltage. L terminal – Closes the circuit to the warning lamp. B terminal – Main alternator output terminal (connected to the battery)

How do you remove an alternator from a Pontiac?

Disconnect any wire clamps that are on the clip at the alternator’s end frame, then remove the rubber clamp and nut. These extra fasteners are not on all Pontiac models. Disconnect the electrical connector for the alternator. Remove the alternator by disconnecting its bolts.

How do you install a new alternator on a car?

Take the two mounting bolts off of the alternator with a socket wrench and remove the alternator assembly. Install the new alternator assembly and tighten the mounting bolts to 37 foot pounds with a torque wrench. Connect the wiring to the alternator and torque its retaining nut to 111 inch pounds.

How do you hook up an alternator to a Pontiac Montana?

Reattach the electrical wire connector to the alternator terminal by placing the connector and the nut on the terminal and securing with a socket wrench. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery of the Pontiac Montana with an open end wrench. Determine which alternator your Pontiac Grand Am will need.

How big should the nuts be on an alternator?

Torque the nuts on the alternator to 22 foot pounds and the bolts to 37 foot pounds if you have a 3.4 L engine. Connect the power steering-to-alternator line clip if you have a 3.4 L engine. Plug in the electrical connectors to the alternator and install the drive belt.

When did I change the alternator on my Pontiac?

PONTIACS HAVE CHANGED THE BRACKET CONFIGURATION + THE NUMBER OF WATER PUMP BOLTS OVER THE YEARS. I ENDED UP WITH BRACKET FOR 1968,1969, & 1974. NOTHING WOULD WORK WITHOUT BIG MODIFICATIONS. I AM STILL TRYING TO BOLT THE ALT. AND POWER STEERING JUMP TO THE PONT. ENGINE AND THEN ADAPT TO THE EL CAMINO BODY. “AIN’T” HOT RODIN FUN ! ! !

Reattach the electrical wire connector to the alternator terminal by placing the connector and the nut on the terminal and securing with a socket wrench. Connect the negative battery cable to the battery of the Pontiac Montana with an open end wrench. Determine which alternator your Pontiac Grand Am will need.

How do you install an alternator on a 3.4 L engine?

Take the mounting bolts (and nuts for a 3.4 L engine) off of the alternator with a socket wrench and remove the alternator assembly. Install the new alternator assembly and tighten the mounting bolts to 15 foot pounds with a torque wrench for most models.

What’s the best way to remove and replace an alternator?

Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions for removing and installing an automobile alternator with common tools. Includes advice on the correct wiring as well as testing and troubleshooting tips. Sponsored by BBB Industries – makers of premium alternators and starters that meet or exceed OE form, fit and function. http://www.BBBind.com