Charging Problem

[N2FHL]

On my ’94 Pickup D-24 2 wheel dr

Eight months ago, my alternator stopped charging the battery. It caught me by surprise because the battery light didn’t come on and I didn’t make it home that night. I pulled the alternator and had it checked. It passed. I recharged the battery, reinstalled the alternator and it worked fine. At this time I cleaned and checked all the cables to make sure they were not the problem.

Three days ago, the same problem and same outcome. It stopped charging, pulled it, checked out ok, reinstalled, recharged, and everything ok again. This is going to drive me nuts and I want a reliable vehicle. Hopefully someone can answer a couple of questions.

What is the purpose of the 2 wires that plug into the alternator? When it is running ok, I have battery voltage coming out of both with the engine off and the key in run. I haven’t checked the voltage when the problem is showing itself. Is it possible that I have an intermittent problem with the supply voltage to the alternator? Does this voltage pass through a relay that might be the problem? Any other possibilities?

Also, the battery light has never come on to give me advance warning. It comes on when I initially start the car, so I know the light is good. How does this light work and how can I repair this problem. I have studied the Haynes diagrams and can’t figure it out. It would be nice to get some advance warning!

Thanks in advance to this helpful group.

Steve

[RT]

Have battery checked, alternator may be putting out current and battery may have a bad or dead cell and not taking the charge. Take to a GOOD shop and have them check entire system, may be outside alternator or battery. Not sure but may be electrical issue elsewhere.