Charging system not working have already put in a brand new alternator and new battery

There is a fusible link in the connection between the alternator and the positive battery cable connector.

On the 1997 it is a 175 Amp Mega Fuse mounted on the outside of the high voltage fuse box located on the drivers's side in the engine compartment. After replacing the battery and the Alternator, it turned out to be a $4.99 fuse that was keeping the alternator current from reaching the battery.

The alternator cable bolts on to one end of the fuse, and the positive battery cable bolts on to the other end. You can test it inline without removing it by checking for continuity across the two bolts. An open circuit indicates that the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

If the fuse is blown (which means you have an open circuit), the battery light in the dash should be on.

The car will start normally if the battery has enough of a charge, but it will eventually die when the battery is too depleted to keep the car running, because the alternator can't take over if the current doesn't make it across the blown fuse.

If the battery is dead, it will start with a jump start, but it will die shortly after you remove the jumper cables for the same reason.

This is one of those problems that you might not think of right away, and it will drive you out of your mind. ALWAYS check this fuse before replacing a battery or an alternator on a mid to late '90s Model Thunderbird. You will save time, money, and you won't pull out your hair.

Voltage Regulator REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Electronic Regulator

1. Remove the battery ground cable. On models with the regulator mounted behind the battery, it is necessary to remove the battery hold-down, and move the battery.
2. Remove the regulator mounting screws.
3. Disconnect the regulator from the wiring harness. To install:
   
4. Mount the regulator to the regulator mounting plate. The radio suppression condenser mounts under one mounting screw; the ground lead under the other mounting screw. Tighten the mounting screws.
5. If the battery was moved to gain access to the regulator, position the battery and install the hold-down. Connect the battery ground cable, and test the system for proper voltage regulation.

1. Disconect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the alternator from the engine as described previously.
3. Remove the four screws retaining the regulator to the alternator rear housing. Remove the regulator, with brush holder attached, from the alternator. Fig. 1: Unfasten the retaining screws, then remove the regulator from the alternator housing
   
4. If necessary, hold the regulator in one hand and break off the tab covering the, A marked, screw head with you hand or a prytool, if necessary. Fig. 2: Hold the regulator in one hand and break off the tab covering the, A-marked, screw charging system not working have already put in a - 88182p07.jpgsrc="/uploads/images/88182p07.jpg" alt="88182p07.jpg" class="h_mi" />
   
5. Remove two screws retaining the regulator to the brush holder. Separate the regulator from the brush holder. Fig. 3: Unfasten the two retaining scharging system not working have already put in a - 88182p08.jpgseparate the regulator from the brush holder To Install:
   
6. Wipe the regulator base plate with a clean cloth, position the regulator against the brush holder and install the two retaining screws. Tighten the screws to 20–30 inch lbs. (2.3–3.4 Nm).
7. Cover the head of the A terminal screw head with electrical tape.
8. Locate brushes in brush holder and hold in place with a thin, flat piece of steel, rubber band or equivalent. Loop the brush leads toward the brush end of the brush holder. Ficharging system not working have already put in a - 88182p09.jpghe brushes in place the brush holder with a rubber band, then position in the alternator housing
   
9. Wipe the alternator rear housing with a clean cloth. Position the regulator and brush holcharging system not working have already put in a - 88182p10.jpg in the alternator rear housing and pull the piece of steel or rubberband out. Fcharging system not working have already put in a - 88182p11.jpg suitable tool to cut the rubber band, . . . Fig. 6: . . . then pull the rubber band from the alternator housing
   
10. Install thcharging system not working have already put in a - prev.giftor retaining screws and tighten to 25–35 inch lbs. (2.8–4.0 Nm).
11. Install the alternator in the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.