alternator ground to test?

[dude772]

On the regulator where it says ground to test, what does that tell you? I cant remember. I think that tells you the regulators no good?

 

[AllanD]

"ground to test" causes the regulator to "full field" the alternator.

If you ground that while watching the output voltage it allows you to guage the condition of the brushes and regulator.

Basically iF you full field it and nothing happens you replace the alternator

AD

 

[dude772]

Its a new "remanufatured" alternator thats not charging on a 96 grand marquis (same alternator as on everyother ford with a different front case) When i full field the alternator it puts out a charge. but no charge any other time. I dont know whats going on. I tried putting on different regulators that i had kickin around but its still the same.