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AcePainter · Apr 13, 2009, 03:36 PM

I have a 1991 Dodge 250 van w/ a 3.9 v6.
I was always taught that if you remove a battery terminal that it should still run.
If not 9 times out of 10 it's the alternator.
After trying a new alternator I have the same problem.
If anyone is familiar with these is there a fuseable link somewhere I'm missing?
I pretend I have an electric car that just needs recharged everyday but that's getting old.

Thanks in Advance
Shad

Stratmando · Apr 13, 2009, 04:06 PM

I heard that, and have heard that removing battery while running can destroy alternator.
If it has an external regulator, I would jump to see if it charges, then you know it is a bad regulator, and alternator is charging. When all is done and with a fully charged battery, measure the voltage, then start and measure the voltage, it should be higher, if not you still have a charging problem and need to check alternator, regulator and associated wiring.
A bad battery is a second possibility, and a third possibility is that it is charging and battery is OK, but you have a drain. Removing a battery terminal and placing an ampmeter in between will show the draw, removing fuses 1 by 1 will help locate draw.

AcePainter · Apr 14, 2009, 07:18 AM

Thank you, I tried exactly what you said prior. Ive come up with the conclusion that I definitely have a short somewhere. I appreciate your input. I never heard that removing a terminal could fry an alternator a will keep that in mind from now on.
Thanks again Shad

Stratmando · Apr 14, 2009, 01:31 PM

If you have a short, or batteries being drained from an unknown source. You can disconnect ground battery terminal, and hook a light between the terminal and the post, any load and the light will be lit.
A DC amprobe is very useful if available.
You would need to unplug fuses, taking note where they went. Alternator can have a drain if defective.
Be sure Radio is disconnected.
Had 1 where the Seatbelt interlock was defective and was draining the battery.
Once you get the bulb to go out, plug fuses in 1 by 1 until light lights up, take note of the location and don't install yet, keep replacing fuses, connectors until light goes on again.
The fuses where the light lit is where the drain(s) is/are.
Be sure dome light is off/or disconnected.