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New alternator; not starting

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Old 09-01-2003, 03:22 PM
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glueslabs
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Default New alternator; not starting

I replaced a bad alternator in my 88 DX yesterday. I took my battery to get recharged today when i took the old core to advance. i got home, installed the battery, and now the car won't start. it does nothing.

the alternator job was simple. after getting the old one out, i put the new one in and reconnected the green plug and the black wire. i put the belt on, and tightened it when i tighened the alternator's bolts. the battery is fully charged. what is going on? before i did this, it would at least turn over. what am i missing? anything i can check? the only odd thing i've noticed is a beige plug (with one orange wire and one black) that isn't plugged in. i'm pretty sure this was how it was when i began work on the car--i don't remember disconnecting it. please help...i'm at the end of my rope here.
Old 09-01-2003, 04:51 PM
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Fujiwara Takumi
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the belt is too tight or too loose, maybe?

i had my belt so tight once on my s10 that the truck wouldn't start cuz it couldn't turn the belt. i didnt even tense it that much.

you also didn't mention any symptoms, you got clicking, interior lights, NOTHING, is it turning but not starting?

eh?
Old 09-01-2003, 05:05 PM
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pony2slow
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make sure all elec. connections are tight and secure.. check battery cables also..

my ol rustang didnt start one day cause of the battery terminal..
Old 09-01-2003, 06:47 PM
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glueslabs
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i get nothing when i turn the ignition. no clicks, nothing. also, before i swapped out the alternator, and my battery was really low, i still had interior lights and stuff. now everything is dead, with a fully charged battery. i really don't get it. everything is secure. i don't have a repair manual, and have very little experience, so i don't even know what i'm looking at. it's time to order from helms, i guess. thanks for your help.
Old 09-01-2003, 07:43 PM
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Kai
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Did you clean the battery terminals and clamps? They shouldn't be that bad, but it might help.
Old 09-01-2003, 09:38 PM
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excitid
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Check all your underhood fuses and even though its unlikley check to make sure you got the cables on the right sides + to + and - to -.
Old 09-01-2003, 09:49 PM
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Kai
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Originally posted by excitid
check to make sure you got the cables on the right sides + to + and - to -.
Oh yeah, that would do it. You better hope it isn't that or some of your electricals may be roasted.
Old 09-02-2003, 07:34 AM
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glueslabs
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i'm sure the battery is connected correctly. as i said, i did start to connect it in reverse, but when it sparked, i immediately disconnected it and reversed the connections. do you think this could've damaged parts of my electrical system?

i will check the fuses tonight. thanks again, for the help.
Old 09-02-2003, 07:38 AM
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Fujiwara Takumi
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could have blown a fuse or two maybe?

it will spark even if you hook it up right though.
Old 09-02-2003, 01:12 PM
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Kai
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Originally posted by glueslabs
i did start to connect it in reverse, but when it sparked, i immediately disconnected it and reversed the connections.
Not good. You probably blew a couple fuses at least.



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