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Old 06-06-2012, 04:17 PM   #1
badpontiacs
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Converted Alternator

Has anyone switched from a 3 wire alternator to a 1 wire and had the factory Volt (not ampmeter) guage work? I tried to hook the plug into the new alternator connector and no voltage shows on the guage. I know the side plug shouldnt really do anything on the alternator being a 1 wire. I know its charging with a DVOM hooked up. Checked fuses and they are ok, original alternator hooked up shows voltage. Any thoughts on how to make the guage work again? Its a 1978 GMC Sierra Grande by the way. Thanks!
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Old 06-06-2012, 04:39 PM   #2
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Re: Converted Alternator

I have searched other threads and it leaves me confused. Is there a simple way to make it work is what im asking.
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Old 06-07-2012, 11:24 AM   #3
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Re: Converted Alternator

Did it come from the factory with gauges?
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Old 06-07-2012, 11:53 AM   #4
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Re: Converted Alternator

Yes it has volt, oil press, water temp, and clock...all factory
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Old 06-07-2012, 10:21 PM   #5
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Re: Converted Alternator

i'll grant you, mine's an 88 and i did a complete engine swap, but my 1 wire alt tees into the battery cable and the starter. the gage gets its voltage signal from one of the 2 wires that go on the starter. i believe the 2 wires are pink. one goes to the terminal on the firewall right next to the brake booster, and i'm forgetting where the other one goes. hope this info somehow helps.
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Old 06-07-2012, 11:28 PM   #6
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Re: Converted Alternator

If it's a factory gauge panel then the volt gauge shouldn't be affected by the alternator wiring at all.
Do any of the other gauges work?
Are any other circuits dead when that shouldn't be?

What have you done with the two field wires and plug?

I'm curious why you installed a one-wire alternator.
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1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD
1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD
1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD
1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD
1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD
1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD
2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500
2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263
2009 Impala SS LS4 V8


RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials...Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions.
And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.
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Old 06-07-2012, 11:34 PM   #7
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Re: Converted Alternator

I don't have the others hooked up. The fuel level works and all the lighting works. I swapped the cab and engine but hooked all the wires back up that were in the engine bay. I have a 1 wire cause it sees little street use and has a large load at idle. As for the field wires and plug, they are taped up and not used since it is 1 wire.
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Old 06-08-2012, 12:29 AM   #8
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Re: Converted Alternator

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Old 06-08-2012, 12:33 AM   #9
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Old 06-08-2012, 12:42 AM   #10
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Re: Converted Alternator

I think a quick test to make sure your cluster/gauges still has power would be to take green temp gauge wire from between the #1 & #3 cylinders and ground it that should make the temp gauge peg to the 260* side if that does nothing I would check the fuses then the wiring behind your clust for loose connections or ground wires not attached
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Old 06-08-2012, 01:09 AM   #11
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Re: Converted Alternator

Ok, I will give that a shot. Thanks for your help guys!
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Old 06-09-2012, 12:16 AM   #12
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Re: Converted Alternator

Ok, I figured it out. I tapped on the guage and BOOM, it started reading. Removed the cluster and cleaned the connections and now it works. Thanks for all your help guys!
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