88 d21 electrical problems

[bhoo]

I'm a long time d21 fan/owner. here's where I am:

batery holds a charge, but does not charge.

all the electricals are out..lights, interior, heater....only thing that works are the wipers and washer...starts//runs/drives fine, and all fuses in the main panel are good.

i suspect it may either be the fusable link to the altenator, or the alternator it self.

although i have a manual and all the diagrams, and am quite proficiant at effecting repairs, these fusable links have me miffed. i have no picture showing what they look like, even so their location is in the manual. it seems these are something that needs to replaced, rather than just replacing a fuse.

so i need a little insight into fusable links, specifically the one going to the altenator, where it is, what it looks like, how to test it, and how to fix it if its faulty.

also, if anyone has any ideas in terms of a dianostic order of play, or a specific area i should be looking/checking. engine electrical system seems fine, all the rest is out except wipers.

TIA for any insights, advise, help....thx gang

[bhoo]

Well, after actually indentifying the fusable links by the battery i was able to test them and bingo, problems solved

the fusable links rite by the positive post of the battery, and are a first line of defence for the whole electrical system, that fries first to protect the rest of the components.

the most common cause of a fusable link failing is mixing up the booster cables when boosting.....guess we'v all had a spark sometime in our lives hey LOL

i'm inocent tho, just bought the truck haha

[tufflilhrdbdy]

I've got a 91 hardbody and the same thing just happened to me. can you post pics of the links PLEASE!

[bhoo]

i have a hayes manual that has a pic didn't help me indetify them as they are just special wires and look nothing like a fuse. there are 2 main leads off pos battery post, both which have a conector wire (its the first conection you can unplug and they are about 2-3 inches long) one has a single prong conector which feeds the chasis elec, the other is a 6 pronger which is the main feed for engine elc systems. can only be purchased from a dealer, cost 14 can.

even so i consider myself above average knowledge wise, i ultimately had to go to the dealer and have them show me lol.

PS if you are not running, or have lost chasis elc, i temp hard wired it, any wire will do, till the part came in. CHECKING TO SEE IF YOUR HARDWIRE GETS HOT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THERE FOR MORE THAN A SHORT TIME IS CRITICAL. IF YOU HAVE OTHER ELEC PROB'S LIKE A SHORT THE HARD WIRE COULD DO A WHOLE LOT OF OTHE DAMAGE TO YOUR ELEC.

as mentioned previously, this is the first line of defense to keep the whole elec system from frying if you have a prob and is usually caused by the power surge of a failing battery, and or boosting.

good luck