I'm trying to get my car running again and I've ran into somewhat of a problem. I wired the alternator as shown by painless wiring but I get no more than 2v. I hooked up one wire to a 12v source (S on pigtail). The other wire (L on pigtail) I installed a 15ohm resistor and wired to ignition 12v. Then the wire for the alternator charge on the outside of the alt's case. After I tried with the pigtail plugged in, I took it out and I got pretty much the same readings, 2v. Can someone tell me a way to test the alt w/o taking it out?

 

Assuming you have it connected properly and the battery is GOOD, the way to test it is, put a voltmeter across the battery terminals. If the alternator is putting out correctly, the voltage across the battery will be close to 14 volts when the engine is running. The alternator must be hooked up to check it. With no wires connected or if it is connected wrong, it will have little or no output.

If you suspect the alternator is defective (which is sounds like it is) take it to an auto parts store to have it tested under load if possible. DO NOT buy an alternator or any other electrical part from the cheapy auto stores like Autozone or Advance. You will waste a lot of time and F!@# their lifetime warranty.

 

Why not? They rebuild them and replace defective and worn parts. Should be as good as a new one...

 

The only connection on the pigtail should be "L". It should go to your gauge/light or a 12v source with a 470 ohm resistor. Don't know if connecting the "S" hurt anything or not. Of course, you must have the battery cable connected to the large post.