85 Daytona battery light stays on

[sleepingboysdad]

I took the relatively new alternator out and went back to the auto store. They tested it and said it works fine. I put it back in and then they tested it again. It still showed something like 14.75 volts. The stinking light is still on. besides covering the light with electrical tape, are there any other suggestions?

[NAJ]

14.75 volts is high for a Chrysler system, see if there are any charging system fault codes set

[sleepingboysdad]

Thanks for the reply

I just checked (twice)

I got

1-2 New Battery

3-3 There is no air conditioner

5-2 6 month old o2 sensor

[charger R/T]

NAJ and I have traded PM's on this what model and engine is in your car and do you know what alternator is in the car? A picture would be nice. I have never seen a mopar in this year range with a battery or alternator light. Mopar uses external regulated alternators in there cars. But there was a thread not too long ago that the guy said he had an 85 with an internal regulated alternator. People were telling him it was installed by someone other then mopar. But looking up that car on Advance autos web site I did find they had an internal regulated alternator listed for that car. So a picture of the alternator would be great and a picture of the light would also be cool (just for my inner learning)
Tim

[sleepingboysdad]

Alternator here: Autolite Pro Alternator part number A7002 (Schucks)
Vehicle: 1985 DODGE DAYTONA TURBO
Engine: L4 2.2 Liter Turbo FI


pictures here: Various Turbo Dodge Pictures - Turbododge Picture Gallery

[charger R/T]

The picture is a little rough but I did find that alternator on advance auto web site. It isn't the usual alternator mopar has used I guess its in the change over years. For many years they used basicly the same alternator from the early 60's until the mid 80's by the late 80's they used mostly a denso or bosch.

I really have no clue how they wired the battery light into the system. Do you know how many wires it has on the back and about what gauge each is? Does the alternator mount use bushings? If so what condition are they? Have you taken a voltage reading right off the battery post on the back of the alternator and if so how much differant was it from a reading at the battery.
Tim

[sleepingboysdad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by charger R/T Do you know how many wires it has on the back and about what gauge each is? Does the alternator mount use bushings? If so what condition are they? Have you taken a voltage reading right off the battery post on the back of the alternator and if so how much differant was it from a reading at the battery. Tim

I have no idea how I would even see that..from under the hood? The mount does have bushings..didn't seem to worn out though.

Here is why I took the alternator out in the first place.

It was at the shop and when I picked it up, the mech. told me "the alternator is only putting out 15 amps at idle" I guess it never charged when they were starting it up while working on it. I came home never (noticing the light) took it to Schucks and they put it on their little machine dealy. Where it said 14.50 volts. Then I put it back in the car and took it back. He hooked his meter up to the battery and it was 14.50 at idle..then 14.75 revved. I took it for granted the mech had meant to tell me volts instead of amps.

Could it test okay but still be bad?

Sorry to be such a buffon, but like I said..not really a car guy. I was hoping not to have to take it to the shop. Schucks guy would not just give me a replacement when it showed it was good.

Thanks

[NAJ]

It is a Bosch alternator, here are the diagnostics. Now Tim can come on and decipher them into laymans terms for you.

[sleepingboysdad]

or.....I could just go back to Schucks...and tell them I am sure the alt is bad cuz my new buddies on turbododge said so.

Actually rather than argue with them..I showed them the light was on. Bought a new one..installed it in the parking lot..and went and got the young fella..and showed him the light was now off. He voided the transaction and apologized for having me install/uninstall twice.

For what it's worth, a sticker right on the new alternator said it was an external regulated by cars computer.

Thanks again for the help. Now I think I have only one last problem..think I'll go post in the engine forum about that o2 sensor code problem (52)

[NAJ]

So it was the wrong alternator.
Just for your info, code 52 is not necessarily an O2 sensor,the code is actually rich exhaust indication meaning the O2 voltage is latched above .450 volts and controller fuel corrections did not correct the problem.

[sleepingboysdad]

It was the same part number as I mentioned above...looked exactly the same. I think the old one just went bad. They just gave me a new one.

Thanks for the info on code 52. That one is probably out of my real of expertise.

I can't thank you enough for your help.

[charger R/T]

I would have loved to see a good picture of that alternator since it is not what the vast majority of mopars use. This thread has been a learning thread for me too. I'm glad you got it fixed. What is it charging at now? The reason for the question about the bushings for the mount is the cars that use them require a good ground wire coming off the alternator. With it now being a solid mount the case doesn't ground right to the engine. So make sure the ground cable is good. If you ever take it off again I would love to see a picture of it.
NAJ has all the info needed to fix that 52. As his title says near his name human factory serice manual. Give the 52 a shot he will help you get it right with a few tools.
Tim

[sleepingboysdad]

I do not know what it is charging at. Auto store boy was glad to see me go, so we never checked it again and I have no way of checking.

Here are better pictures of the alternator..all shiny and new:

Various Turbo Dodge Pictures - Turbododge Picture Gallery

[charger R/T]

That is so cool. Those pictures made my weekend. Thanks. Now that I have seen it I do remember seeing one of those many years ago. (that statment made me feel old) Your right you bushings do look good. Just remember the ground strap on that alternator is just as important as the charge wire.
Tim