1990 Ford Bronco Logo
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Randie Natzel Posted on May 02, 2015
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Why won't it charge?

Alt tests good, new battery, new pigtails

3 Answers

danoyachtcap

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  • Ford Master 2,907 Answers
  • Posted on May 02, 2015
danoyachtcap
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This procedure usually works:
·Check the battery cable connections:
Make sure the negative cable makes a good ground connection at the battery and (preferably) at the engine. Make sure the positive cable, makes a good connection at the battery and at the starter.

·Check the battery the simple way, like this:
Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.

·Check the starter and solenoid:
If the wiring looks ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter(10 volts minimum while cranking).
If the starter spins and no crank, the problem is most likely the Solenoid's pinion gear is stuck.
Have someone hit (not too hard) the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging a stuck pinion gear.
·Make a simple test of the alternator:
If you can, somehow get the engine running, measure the voltage at the battery. It should be at least 13.6 volts to properly charge the battery.

Jim Spalten

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  • Expert 102 Answers
  • Posted on May 02, 2015
Jim Spalten
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Howdy in addition tho your first answer check both of your battery cables. If you suspect even the slightest replace em. That year Bronc was cool had one. Got 9 miles a gallon but easy to work on. Getting spark plug 8 was a beast. Good luck.

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Paula Hamilton

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  • Ford Master 894 Answers
  • Posted on May 02, 2015
Paula Hamilton
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Hi,I would check the alternater again,if it shows a higher voltige when reved up then yes its ok,it should go up to some where approx 13v to 14volts,if its ok then the battery should charge.
best of luck.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 150 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 23, 2009

SOURCE: car won,t charge the battery the alt is good i had it checked

depending on the year model of your car the voltage regulator is intergrated in the pcm

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Jonah Oneal

  • 14092 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 30, 2009

SOURCE: my 79 f150 will not charge. alt.tests good, new

check fuse link and the alternator fuse.

scott

  • 532 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 24, 2009

SOURCE: I PUT A NEW ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY IN A 1999 FROD

check for a blown fuse,sometimes if the battery cable is connected when changing an alternator it overloads the fuse,also check for power at any fusible links

jturcotte

Jeffrey Turcotte

  • 8991 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 27, 2011

SOURCE: on my 2004 ford ranger

Hi, have you checked continuity of the charge wire? There are fusible links there that may have burned up.

jturcotte_1587.gif

Anonymous

  • 275 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 30, 2011

SOURCE: 2004 Expedition XLT 5.4L Triton.

Bad parts are pretty common...

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Sorry to hear about this Dale but I don't believe you have done anything incorrectly. Use your DVOM with key on to check for 12v at the pigtail wire.The main cable should always have 12v but the pigtail should have 12 volts with the key on and or running safer to check with just the key on.Check this out and we can proceed with further instructions.
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