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Topic: Charging system problem, battery not charging (Read 1577 times) previous topic - next topic

Charging system problem, battery not charging

a few days ago I took my t-bird out for a drive and the dash lights flickered on and off then as i got to a stop light it died and wouldnt crank since the battery was apparently dead

replaced the battery and alternator but it didn't fix the problem, alternator is still not charging my battery

any help with this?  its a 1988 Thunderbird V6
1988 Thunderbird V6: all stock other than the radio

1985 Thunderbird TC: Stinger FMIC, Big R Stage 1 Turbo

Charging system problem, battery not charging

Reply #1 –
ok,, in my sig there is a link to the 88 evtm.

let me review for a second.  i dont own an 88, my son does and will see which page i find you should look at.

Charging system problem, battery not charging

Reply #2 –
ok,,, so at the alt output you have a blk / org wire that ends up becoming fuse link A. 

since you say you have lack of charge and dash lights out, there may be a busted fuse link.

fuse links are not the big hunks of rubber but rather the smaller awg wire in between the chunks of rubber stamped with "fuseable link".

notice on page 20 that the blk org alt output wire ties to fuse link A,,, then travels up a yellow wire.. then that vertical dash line represents a bonding point to the PLUS terminal of your battery.

scoot over to fuse link B and C , you can now see how fuse link A is common

Charging system problem, battery not charging

Reply #3 –
if the car will idle with your new battery,,
confirm with a meter that the voltage is drifting lower and lower.

also confirm that with the car at idle the alternator output is greater than 13vdc.

if batt is drifting lower and lower and the alternator is at about 14vdc,, then yes its a fuse link on your "primary" charge circuit(s)

Charging system problem, battery not charging

Reply #4 –
Ignoring switch
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com
 

Charging system problem, battery not charging

Reply #5 –
Check for battery voltage on the alternator B+ (BK/O wires)
If no voltage, fuse link Z is blown.
This will happen if the jumper cables are hooked-up backwards while trying to jump start the car.