HI All.

I've got a 1988 240 Wagon that is having charging issues.
Replaced the alternator and the battery, but while the engine is running - it's not getting more than 12.6 V at the battery.

What other wires, lights, relays do I need to check to determine why a new alternator and battery doesn't seem to be resolving the issue.

Symptoms:

not getting 13+ V at the battery terminals when the engine is on.
charge warning light in dash is ON when the key is OFF/ not in the ignition.

After reading a bit, it seems it could be:

Bad Ignition switch
Bad wiring from alternator to ground
Bad "exciter" wire

Any ideas of where to check next?

thanks

Lots of info here:
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/ElectricalStarting.htm#NoJuicefromAlternatorNotCharging
--
Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

thanks for the link.

"charge warning light in dash is ON when the key is OFF/ not in the ignition."
That's where I would be looking.
--
Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

Just read through (scanned somewhat) the lengthy compilation of anecdotal battery charging knowledge passed in the 700/900 FAQ list using that link. I couldn't dig out one definitive reference to "light on when key out" which is evidence that one or more diodes of the positive side rectifier array is leaky or shorted. Did see one of my images unattributed (smile).

If the battery light is on with the key in your pocket, pull the exciter lead (D+) terminal off of the alternator and check again. Go out? Yes, I thought so. Replace the alternator. Leave the wire off until you get the new unit installed, or the battery will be drained again.

There was a paragraph in the FAQ about "Installing Rebuilt Alternators." It has two sentences from two Brickboard readers about finding loose hardware. This subject should deal with the horrendous "spray and pray" sweat shop industry feeding the chain auto parts stores with lifetime warranty remanufactured accessories. The archives on this board outside of the 7/9 FAQ are filled with experiences of us having to do multiple replacements before luck gets us a good one.



--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Did you ever get your wipers to park?