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Astro Alternator Cs130d Exciter Charge Circuit

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 47v6, Apr 2, 2022.

  1. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    My brand new alternator on my 4.3 Chevy swap wont charge.

    I have a Howell wiring harness for this swap. It has a wire that says 12Vdc lamp to sw12.

    I am assuming this needs to have a 12 volt light connected to a 12v light and then to a switched terminal to sense voltage and excite the alternator. Should this be on the start or run side of the ignition switch or another place?

    Must I wire in a light? Does it require the resistance?
     
  2. Apr 2, 2022
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

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    I don't really remember, since I usually just wire these up in a one wire configuration, but yes, I believe that you *need* the bulb. Usually its the CHG or ALT bulb in the instrument cluster, that you wire it to. But I'm positive somebody else will chime in that actually knows.
     
  3. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    I clearly am not using the instrument cluster, but I kept most of the wiring harness. Howell instructions are not very clear, SURPRISE! This alternator has only one wire, but a 4 pin connector.
     
  4. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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  5. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    Solved D97E4704-F13A-4381-A66A-28292C21471A.jpeg
    I wired in a light between that wire and the starter. It creates a draw and the alternator charges. The light burns dim, then goes out when it excites the alternator..exciting!!!!!!
     
  6. Apr 2, 2022
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

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    I've not been paying attention to what you're doing, close enough to know you weren't using the stock instrument cluster =P I just knew that's where that wire traditionally connected up to =P
     
  7. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    Im not even paying attention to what I'm doing..
     
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  8. Apr 2, 2022
    SFaulken

    SFaulken Active Member

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    Best way to do it, really. It makes things more interesting.
     
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  9. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    Occasionally its a shocking experience!
     
  10. Apr 2, 2022
    Ohiowrangler

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    I suffer from CRS(can't remember s..t), but I believe you need the light in line for the alternator to sense a lower voltage than the battery. Then the control circuit will use the light for an indicator of over charging or under charging. But I do remember it should be wired into terminal "L" on the connector. The only reference book I have on hand is for an 88. I'd put a side marker bulb in line and see what happens. Ron
     
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  11. Apr 2, 2022
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I took the alternator out my 96 Astro that I scrapped and put it in the 2A. Wired it to a red pilot light I got at a truck parts place. It’s on the right. A matching blue one on the left for high beams
    81CAF0F7-B69D-421A-9F89-8DDB574B0700.jpeg
     
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  12. Apr 2, 2022
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

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    When I was wiring my 4.3ltr. It wasn't charging until I hooked up the battery light in my dash.
     
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  13. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    There is no “L” to wire to. I took that wire in the above pic, wired in a side marker bulb from the old Astro van harness and it works as it’s supposed to now.
     
  14. Apr 2, 2022
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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  15. Apr 2, 2022
    Ohiowrangler

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    OK, I May have advanced CRS. Just glad it works. Ron
     
  16. Apr 2, 2022
    47v6

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    F8CAA0C0-974E-46FD-A41C-DBFC2453E177.jpeg Drove it out of its spot
     
  17. Apr 4, 2022
    hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

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    Definitely want to make sure the exciter wire is switched off when the key is off. Otherwise it will drain the battery.
     
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  18. Apr 4, 2022
    47v6

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    All that excitement could drain anyones batteries!
     
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  19. Apr 5, 2022
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    I’m doing almost the same swap which terminal on the four pronged connector is the exite wire?
     
  20. Apr 5, 2022
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    What year is it? I can probably get a diagram.
     
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