I have a very low current indicated on the stock guage. Yesterday, it completely drained the battery. (The shutdown solenoid just gave out when I got into my driveway.) Naturally, I scooped a brand new one on warranty.

I checked all of the connections and they seem o.k., even put on new ones at the battery. ( it's got some home made connections in there, not the best) Still not getting any charge. I will have to take the alternator off and get it tested I guess.

Has anyone had this happen and can point me in the right direction?

Thanks

 

What year is your truck?

91 and before had a separate voltage regulator, 92 & 93 had the regulator built in to the computer . . .

 

It's a 91 with a new voltage regulator installed 3 months ago.

 

Was the engine light on?

 

Disconnect the wires from the back of the alternator that go to the regulator, do not disconnect the large wire to the battery. You will have two terminals. Connect one terminal to a ground scorce, the other to the hot battery terminal. The alternator should go to full charge.

If it goes to full charge the alternator is ok and the problem is in the wiring or the regulator. If it does not go to full charge the alternator is bad.