Alternator update...still looking for HELP. (archive)

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The cable (1) was connected to the alternator at (2). There was a broken connector at (3) so my guess is that they put this new cable on to replace the one that was connected at (3). Grounding this cable seemed to start all my trouble.

Other details of the configuration were that the thick red wire was connected at (4), the blue wire was connected at (5).

Other notable things are: (6) is cracked at the bottom where (5) goes through it, (7) ..a capacitor?.. is all cracked up, and the stud at (5) spun around a bit when I removed the blue wire from it.

I am really hoping someone will be able to help me here because all the manuals I have are VERY vague about the alternator connections and components.

Oh, and add to the previous symptoms: the park brake, brake fluid, and battery lights stay on just a little all the time (after they turn off). They are not bright enough to tell in daylight...only in the dark. AND the ABS light came on a little before the car died.

> Jon Thelen wrote:
> >
> > http://www.bayareamotorsport.com/~jon/pics/e30/alternator.JPG
> >
> > Last week I re-bolted my dipstick tube bracket. The bolt was
> missing and the
> > dipstick tube was loose. The yellow arrow points in
> > toward the bolt I replaced (you can't see it).
> >
> > The blue arrows show the end of a cable on the alternator. It's
> connected to
> > the alternator and that bracket.
> >
> > Before I replaced the bolt, I had no problem. After I replaced it:
> >
> > 1. Several dash lights stayed on all the time.
> > 2. The green service indicator lights flickered all the time.
> > 3. (the next day) All that stopped by itself. ???
> > 4. (2-3 days later) the car cranked slowly
> > 5. started trying to die when I used the turn signal, windows, etc.
> > 6. died...wouln't even click over.
> >
> > So, anybody know what could have happened? Is this cable now
> hooked up wrong
> > OR could there be another problem that the
> > missing connection was hiding? The cable is MUCH longer than it
> needs to be
> > where it is connected...like 16" instead of 4".
> >
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Jon

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