3800SC Swap - Alternator options and not charging (Page 2/2)
olejoedad JUL 15, 05:58 AM

quote
Originally posted by GodSend:


Just to be clear, this is the indicator bulb in the aux gauges above the radio, correct?



The CHARGE light is in the main instrument cluster.
GodSend JUL 20, 04:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:


The CHARGE light is in the main instrument cluster.



Are we sure about that? According to this post on a 88V6 its in the AUX gauge.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/144189.html

Heres a video I made showing my dash.

https://youtube.com/shorts/...TLehk8?feature=share


I also noticed that one pin has 12v constant and the other has continuity to C500 pin B3 . However C500 B3 also has continuity to ground. Not sure what to make of that.
Patrick JUL 20, 05:30 PM

quote
Originally posted by GodSend:

Are we sure about that? According to this post on a 88V6 its in the AUX gauge.

Is the charge warning light in the dash, or in the center pod (with the volt meter)?



Since that's my old thread...

I'm not speaking as an authority on anything, but in my Formula, the charge light is with the voltmeter in the auxiliary gauge pod. That's where the red glow was coming from when my alternator was failing.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-20-2025).]

olejoedad JUL 20, 06:23 PM
Oops, my bad - the CHARGE light is in the AUX pod.

It's in the dash on the pre-gage pod cars and Dukes.

As to the wiring, C500-B3 goes to the alternator 12V ignition and will show continuity to ground.
That's why the CHARGE light comes on with KEY ON.
When the engine starts, the alternator is producing 12V and the CHARGE light is seeing 12V on both sides of the bulb, therefore the light goes out.
GodSend JUL 20, 07:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

Oops, my bad - the CHARGE light is in the AUX pod.

It's in the dash on the pre-gage pod cars and Dukes.

As to the wiring, C500-B3 goes to the alternator 12V ignition and will show continuity to ground.
That's why the CHARGE light comes on with KEY ON.
When the engine starts, the alternator is producing 12V and the CHARGE light is seeing 12V on both sides of the bulb, therefore the light goes out.




No worries my friend. Apologies for being bitchy in the video.. been a long weekend.

Anyways..I dug up some posts and writing diagrams. It looks like I don't have a wire from C1 (blue) on pin 36 OR C2 (clear) pin 61.

So what's the easiest way to test this. I think I just need the c1pin36... Just not sure where to hook it up.
olejoedad JUL 20, 07:21 PM
Copied from PM....

Here is the information you need.
I hope this fixes your charging issue.

PCM clear 61 to B or L of Alternator (red wire)
PCM blue 36 to C500 B-3 (brown wire)
12 V Battery (Battery Junction Terminal) to Alternator S (orange wire)

Large cable on Alternator to Starter Battery lug

Be sure you have Battery power run to the Battery Junction Terminal.

End copy

You need to wire it as I have outlined above for the circuit to work properly.

Some alternators are labeled A B C D. In that case B or L is pin B, and pin S is D.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 07-20-2025).]