my vr wont keep charge

[brian101]

i have just brought a vr,ever since i got it there has been a problem with it not keeping charge.ive replaced the altanator and its still the same.the battery light is constantly on and when im driving and the battery starts getting low the engine light comes on and it starts running like crap.if someone could help me out it would be muchly appreciated

[seraphic06]

There is already a thread open on this very subject. Have you tried a new battery?

[hako]

In your case it sounds like you have a wiring problem which is preventing the alternator from charging. I would use a multimeter and check there is constant +12v at the large terminal located at the back of the alternator (engine off). I'd wiggle the wires and connection whilst doing this. If you don't have a multimeter they cost about $10 from Dick Smiths or SuperCheap....you don't need to buy an expensive one and you can use it for a multitude of problems.
And welcome to the forum.

[Brett_jjj]

If the battery is stuffed it wont accept much charge from the alternator or be able to hold it. Id try another battery.Also check the wiring around where the battery terminals are,there might be a wire flaoting around there somewhere thats supposed to be connected to the battery, Also check the single wire that goes on to the rear of the alternator,the actual wire can get heated up and corroded and it can break there causing the charge light to come on...

[RX25SE]

If its not a dud battery or alternator, check the voltage drop across the charge circuit.
Connect a voltmeter to the B+ terminal (the big one with the nut) on the alternator and the positive terminal of the battery. If you have more than 0.5v then there is a resistance in the circiut (ie corroded wire as stated above) and the battery will not get to full charge.
Also, check to see if you have around 13.8-14.5v across the battery terminals with the engine running.

[brian101]

i have changed the battery,and still the same.yhere is a single wire floating round near the battery but it has a clip on the end of it

[Brett_jjj]

i have changed the battery,and still the same.yhere is a single wire floating round near the battery but it has a clip on the end of it

It might be meant to be connected to the positive terminal.Maybe the positive terminal had a connection to accept the wire with the clip and its been lost or broken off.Does it reach the terminal?Just check it all out and see where the wire goes to etc. Let us know how you go with it.Maybe even try connecting it to the positive terminal and see what happens.

[brian101]

just used multimeter on altanator and it read as nothing.and the wire doesnt quiet reach the terminal its just abit short

[wortus]

Sounds like you need to recheck the alternator wiring and make sure all the wires are on it properly. When you replaced the alternator was it new, second hand or reco? Did you use the same regulator? It could be worn out brushes if it's not a new alternator/regulator.
Anything burnt out in the altenator you would probably smell it.
Otherwise take the alternator out and have it checked.
Have you put a multimeter accross the battery when it's connected to the car and taken voltage readings with the engine turned off and on? It needs to be around 14.2 to 14.4 volts withthe engine running and should be fairly stable over the rev range.

[brian101]

i wired the loose wire to the battery and now shes running perfectly so thanks to all who helped.

[Brett_jjj]

i wired the loose wire to the battery and now shes running perfectly so thanks to all who helped.

Its always excellent when a problem is so easy to fix.Good one.