i just replaced my alternator for my 1990 chrysler lebaron 3.0L V6 since it wouldn't start and that seemed like it was the problem, but it's still putting out barely any power & draining the battery over the course of about 2-3 days of driving time. which leads me to believe that it is my regulator.. so i called carquest and asked them & they said that it had an external voltage regulator.. well.. i called the same place a couple days later to price the part and they said that it had an internal voltage regulator.. (completely contradicting what they said at first) or that it might be in the computer but maybe not. so would anybody be able to tell me if this car has an internal or external voltage regulator? Or what is likely wrong here? -thanks.
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First, your alt has an internal voltage regulator that when operating should charge at 14.5 when car is running. Second, if you think your alt is draining you battery then why don't you disconnect it overnight and see what happens. Third, the easiest way to find a drain on a battery is this= disconnect your negative battery cable. Hook up a 12V test light between the negative battery cable end and the negative side of the battery. Since light will be on, start pulling the fuses out of the fuse box one by one. when the test light bulb goes out while pulling fuses that circuit is the shorted one. Get a wiring diagram, track down the wire through the car and find the short.
Here is what i would do. Take ur vehicle to an auto parts store like advance auto parts, auto zone, O'Reilly's, etc. they can check out ur charging system and tell you what is wrong. whether it is the alternator not charging, a dead cell in the battery, a worn out belt, tensioner,etc. it doesn't cost you anything.
For future reference: i installed a new alternator on my chevy truck and the paperwork that came with it said, if the battery is dead, it must be fully recharged or replaced before using the new alternator or damage may occur to the alternator.
nicely the reality you suggested the difficulty in basic terms comes whilst its chilly from what your asserting it feels like the chilly or damp is inflicting a circut to short out someplace and its draining the bat yet in basic terms whilst its moist damp what i'd do is administered a attempt sparkling the bat term with twine brush examine began and alt connections do a similar with them then conceal the terminals with vaseline and seal them from damp additionally it somewhat is a lifeless cellular in the bat see see approximately getting a bat examine the two take it get it executed or spend somewhat funds and purchase a bat tester the two way it might help now the place you stand with the charging equipment and batif the bats wonderful and the probs are nevertheless there examine all electric powered connections in engine bay for frayed twine or uncovered twine prolly your acceptable guess