New alternator, but battery gauge still low
I got a used 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis a few weeks ago. Theres about 106,000 miles on it so far and I noticed the battery gauge needle was starting to drop and not stay in the middle like it's supposed to. I went to Autozone and had a test done and they said it was the alternator, so I had the alternator replaced at an auto repair shop but the needle is still running low. I then went to another Auto place for another battery testing and they said it tested as a good battery so what could be the issue??
Here's the new alternator btw-
Take it to the auto parts store, they can test the battery and alternator output with the same tool also check all connections on alt.. Start with that.
If you have a VOM (volt ohm meter) you can check it yourself with engine running VOM positive to
Postive lead of VOM to positive lead of battery and negative lead of VOM to negative lead of battery it should be 14.5 volts if it is I say it was your gauge in dash.
I just had the same issues with my 95 mercury grand marquis. I bought a new battery and alternator and the same thing. Battery light still showed up as low. I had O'Riellys test both battery and alternator and they showed a good reading. My alternator has 3 electrical outlets on it. The main plug to it, the hook wire you screw on and a tiny plug between them. I was told the wiring harness is notorious for going bad. It's a dealer item only. But it doesn't have the small plug on it. So, I rewired the new one I got from the dealership and bought some small wire adapters at O'Reillys and rewired the small plug. And still had the same problem. I took it to a mechanic shop, asked him to find the problem, and the alternator was faulty. It wouldn't keep a charge. So I exchanged put it on the car, and it is doing great. So, I'd get the alternator tested somewhere else. And if it's good, try the harness and plug. Good luck! It was super frustrating!
Changed my battery and alt. I'm my 2006 Grd. Marquis, still battery drained overnighf! This after test said both bad! Now mechanic shop only found that wiring harness has problem which goes directly to diodes in alt. His next try is to exchange the alt. I think the problem that was due to possibly the harness may have now damaged the alt. and replacing the alt. Will only work if harness issue is addressed first, so alternator will not be compromised again. This is what's transporting as I make this entry - so the ball is in mechanic's court, and the shop man hrs. add up!
can someone post a picture of where the white wire on the alternator goes? I have some wire issues myself but the white one for me is completely gone and I have no clue where it should go.
