having trouble tracing down a charging issue. in the process of tracing grounds. have a new battery, new alternator, but battery is not being charged. had the clutch and trans replaced/rebuilt recently, this problem started then.

on the negative battery post, a small wire goes to the body ground. then the negative cable goes down and splits. towards the front of the vehicle, it bolts to the compressor mount.

the other wire heads off towards the starter. my cable heading towards the starter is just hanging free. where does it go?

 

It should go down to the block somewhere. What year is the truck, and what engine?

Is the battery light and brake light on?

On many vehicles the voltage regulator reference voltage is supplied through the charge indicator bulb, if the bulb is burnt out, or missing then the voltage regulator will not work.

Have you checked to make sure you have battery voltage at the B+ terminal on the alternator? (large cable that bolts down)

 

truck is a 91 22re w/efi
battery light is not on. brake light is not on. no i have not checked the voltage. just cleaning grounds, making sure they have clean, good contact.

found that cable hanging free

 

iamsuperbleeder has a thread on the 4 engine grounds on a 22RE, its called 22re ground wire locations - the guide!!!, just search engine grounds and you will find it. Its helped me out

 

thanks WHEELER8688, i found that post while searching earlier. it doesnt specify where this other end of the ground goes. i really dont think my problem is with this ground anymore, but...
since its a ground, does it really matter where, as long as i ground it on the block or frame, that should take care of it right?

 

Sounds like #4. And yes it matters, gaskets don't conduct

Of course it's probably not your problem cause, but since you know it's wrong fix it.

Then proceed with the FSM charging system inspection