NEED HELP ASAP generator light stays on

Discussion in 'Sparky's corner' started by Jesse89, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

    I have a 1968 Buick wildcat with the original 430 I I replaced cap and rotor spark plugs and wires the coil I also bought a brand powermaster alternator and the light will not shut off can somebody please tell me this is so irritating the battery is good and it keeps draining out I took it to the auto parts store to diagnostic they said it was 100% good I put the battery back on car started right up with the alternator/generator light bright red anything will help if anyone has that with the same situation
     
  2. STAGE III

    STAGE III Lost Experimental 455-4 Bolt Main Block.

    “Gen light” Isn’t that error code 8675309?:D

    If the light is on and your new battery is draining most likely a defective alternator or voltage regulator.
    Sorry no electrical wiz but I try and help.

    P.S. put any cheapo voltmeter on the battery terminals with the car off and then fire it up to see if the voltage goes up into the 14 volt range to rule out the alternator.
    How old is that bat tree ? 8CECE6D9-C624-4405-803E-1E93BA874CCA.jpeg
    ***Double check this part # just wanted to let you know what it basically looked like***
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2020
    69GS430/TKX likes this.
  3. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    I have the same car. Here is where I would start. I would be 100% sure that the battery terminals are clean. I would also inspect the cables themselves. If they are those replacement ends I would looks those over for the green gunk. If in doubt I would disconnect both from battery and get a cup of baking soda and water to clean each one. (Don't get any of that on your battery as it could ruin it). Check the far end of the ground cable to be sure it is clean and tight. I assume you bought alternator to fix the light being on so I would guess that leaves wiring or the voltage regulator as the most likely causes. The voltage regulator is in the driver side inside wheel well near the brake master cylinder. You can check that connection and have it tested or replace it. Of course you can see if there is a shop nearby that focuses on rebuilding starters and alternators. They are usually god at troubleshooting issues.
     
  4. BuickV8Mike

    BuickV8Mike SD Buick Fan

    My vote is a bad V.R.
     
  5. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Not enough information. Powermaster makes a number of alternators. Which one did you install, and did you install it right? Did you disconnect the battery before installing it? Did you measure voltage across the battery with the engine running?
     
  6. DasRottweiler

    DasRottweiler -BuickAddict-

    Why not install a 10si or a 12si alternator and loose the voltage regulator?
    Can you link us to the Powermaster alternator you installed?
    Jim
     
  7. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

  8. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

    I guess someone told me the light supposed to be lit up has an internal regulator
     
  9. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The light being operational or not has nothing to do with internal or external regulator.

    That's a 12SI internally regulated alternator. Did you follow these instructions?

    http://www.buickperformanceclub.com/alternat.htm
     
    DasRottweiler likes this.
  10. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

    What do you think it can be battery cables ?
     
  11. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

    Just seen the link I'm going to read it thank
     
  12. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

  13. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

  14. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Last edited: Aug 26, 2020
  15. Redmanf1

    Redmanf1 Gold Level Contributor

  16. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, but compare the actual wiring at the alternator, article vs. the kit. The article eliminates the white wire completely. It also wires one wire to the charging post along with the stock wire.
     
  17. Jesse89

    Jesse89 Well-Known Member

    Thanks to all of you for your help
     

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