truck not charging battery

[DANZIG]

I put a new alternator in my truck and its still not charging the battery.
Any ideas?

[72hiboy4x4]

start the truck! J/K


check all the connections and have the regulator tested.

have you checked voltage with a meter?
is there enough water in the battery?
what was the original symptoms for changing the Alt.?

[bluef250]

Check the ground.

Where did you get the alternator and what type (brand) of alternator did you buy? Why did you need to replace the alternator?

What other trouble shooting have you done?

[ranger7489]

Try adding water and check your grounds.

[DANZIG]

I changed it because I took it to autozone and they said It wasn't putting out anything.
The next day I thought it was fine but drove it in the day only. Without the lights on.At night I went out and I could tell the lights started to get weak.
And when I got out of the movie It wouldnt crank.
So What else could be wrong?

[DANZIG]

Check which ground?

The alternator has a wire not hooked up would that be a ground?
It was never hooked up, and never made a difference, before at least.

[derek7871]

I had the same situation. The alternator was not keeping the battery charged. I replaced the belts and the alternator and it still did not keep the battery charged. Somebody on this site said I should change the voltage regulator. Sure enough, that was the problem. I believe it was about 12 or 13 dollars at Napa. It's a little silver box on the passenger side radiator support. It took about 5 minutes to change it out. It's certainly worth a shot.

[Faithful Old Road Dog]

How old is that battery?

Check the battery connections.

[bluef250]

Try alternator! Discount placessell unreliable units.

[DANZIG]

they do??

[Dropped 68]

Without question, look at the regulalator. most Auto Parts Stores can bench test them. they're fairly inexpensive and the new ones are solid state and are supposed to last longer than the original design which used contact points to regulate the voltage. Make sure the alternator and regulator are grounded well. If that doesn't get it (which most likely it will) use a multimeter to check all the wiring for breaks. Good Luck

Charles

[FORDification]

Here's some tips on troubleshooting the charging system:

http://www.fordification.com/charging.htm

[DANZIG]

ok im gonna buy a new regulator, I just changed the alt. again

[splavin90]

try to full field test it, voltage on the battery should jump up to 15-18vDC