PaulBennett
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- Mar 23, 2011
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- Vehicle Year
- 1998
- Vehicle
- Ford
The alternator has 2 coils. One coil produces the voltage to charge the battery. The other coil determines voltage output with a regulator which feeds it a variable volage which regulating the magnetic circuit between the two coils and to establish desired voltage output. The regulator gets its knowledge from a feedback circuit, essentially a component connected to the battery.
So, between the regulator and alternator coil is a calibrated component which establishes the alternators voltage output. In most cars, that component is the 'Alt' warning light. In other vehicles it's the alternator meter shunt. Alternators are not fed the entire current but a representative postion provided by a resistive shunt. Removing either feedback circuit and connecting their wires together puts the alternator in full overcharge mode and smoke is likely soon afterward.
Whatever you stripped out must be returned exactly unless you intend changing to a different regulator circuit.
This has nothing to do with grounds...replace the shunt if not the meter and it sets the voltage level for the regulator. !!
So, between the regulator and alternator coil is a calibrated component which establishes the alternators voltage output. In most cars, that component is the 'Alt' warning light. In other vehicles it's the alternator meter shunt. Alternators are not fed the entire current but a representative postion provided by a resistive shunt. Removing either feedback circuit and connecting their wires together puts the alternator in full overcharge mode and smoke is likely soon afterward.
Whatever you stripped out must be returned exactly unless you intend changing to a different regulator circuit.
This has nothing to do with grounds...replace the shunt if not the meter and it sets the voltage level for the regulator. !!
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