how should an Alternator work????

[johndavid400]

I just replaced my 95' 240sx alternator with a new one because I thought that it wasn't charging..... well, the new one is installed and still reading 11.43v dc!!!! What the heck?

And when I put the positive needle of my voltage meter on the positive terminal of the alternator and the ground needle on the ground wire of the alternator, I got .41v dc. Is there something wrong with my new alternator as well? or is it a different problem?

Should I be able to touch the voltage meter directly to the alternator and get a 14v reading?

What does that set of wires that plugs into the alternator do?

BTW, I made dang sure that I disconnected the battery before installing the new alternator (in fact, the batter was out of the car the whole time.... so, I didn't blow anything)

[Dattebayo]

You should post that question here:zeroforum?id=17