Batteries not charging
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 3
Batteries not charging
1981 Ford E150 Econoline Van, dual battery and fuel set up. I replaced the alternator and the pigtail clip but not getting a charge to the batteries those are brand new.
The external regulator, as I understand, should not be hooked up as the alternator has an internal one. The wiring is just a hot mess, don't think anything was done in this van since 1981. LOL. My question is what's next? What am I missing? I'm going to check fuses ? today and was wondering if it may be prudent to cut the pigtail V-sensing wire and wire it direct to the alternator battery wire? Also, can I circumvent this nasty harness, splice a new wire to the ignition acc? Any knowledge would be GREATLY appreciated! I live alone in my van with my dogs and I'm my own mechanic. A lot is learn as I go but learning I am. Please share any knowledge, tricks or MacGyver hacks... Thanking all in advance! I appreciate you taking time to read this plea for advice and direction
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 3
???
What do you mean, “why did I install the wrong alternator”? I installed the one called for but apparently it’s after market as the external regulator was still mounted with the clip engaged.
I’m not sure if it was already disconnected somewhere down the wiring line so I just pulled the clip anyway.
The old alternator was dual pulley, this new one is single but no big deal cuz I don’t have A/C. That is the only difference.
The rest of the connections match. I’ve been on some pretty bumpy dirt roads and wonder if something came loose or shorted? Just a thought.
Anyway, replaced with like alternator
I’m not sure if it was already disconnected somewhere down the wiring line so I just pulled the clip anyway.
The old alternator was dual pulley, this new one is single but no big deal cuz I don’t have A/C. That is the only difference.
The rest of the connections match. I’ve been on some pretty bumpy dirt roads and wonder if something came loose or shorted? Just a thought.
Anyway, replaced with like alternator
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 16,584
The original alternator required an external voltage regulator which should still be on the vehicle
If the correct alt was installed there would not be an internal regulator.
Whoever decided to make the changes did half the job and without being there to see exactly what was done makes it impossible to suggest anything worthwhile.
If the correct alt was installed there would not be an internal regulator.
Whoever decided to make the changes did half the job and without being there to see exactly what was done makes it impossible to suggest anything worthwhile.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 3
Will post pics
The guy I bought it from had a substantial chair lift with auto doors installed. As for the alternator, like I said, I replaced with like unit. The one that comes up on AutoZone/OReillys systems is actually a lot smaller and the bolt pattern is not correct.
I will post some pics. Thank you for your help
I will post some pics. Thank you for your help
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