Quick Alternator L Wire/Regulator Question (1 Viewer)

[jellis]

I'm having some problems with my dash lights after replacing some bulbs and putting in a new head unit. That whole "CHARGE FUSE" circuit as a "ground path" is proof that engineers hate us and want us to be miserable.

At any rate, I won't dig into that here. Right now I have one very simple, quick question that I want to verify:
Shouldn't the L Wire terminal on the alternator itself be grounded when the car isn't running?

That is to say, if I put one connection on negative and another on the L terminal on my alternator while my car is off, it should be a 0 ohm connection, right? I have found some hints that this should be the case but nothing explicitly stated anywhere.

Mine has infinite resistance so I think my regulator is bad. But I just want to verify this simple check before replacing the alternator.

Thanks,
~Josh

 

[jonheld]

Shouldn't the L Wire terminal on the alternator itself be grounded when the car isn't running?

FSM states: Pin 2 - GND: 0–4 VOLTS WITH IGNITION SW AT ON POSITION AND ENGINE NOT RUNNING

This is also what throws the CHARGE lamp relay.

 

[jellis]

I confirmed this with a Toyota mechanic buddy as well, that it should be ground with the engine off. Time for a new alternator I guess.

Did you pull that from the 1991 FSM in your sig? I have a 1990 FSM for my HDJ which is crappy (no troubleshooting), and I have a FZJ 1996 that does not say what you quoted above.

 

[jonheld]

I confirmed this with a Toyota mechanic buddy as well, that it should be ground with the engine off. Time for a new alternator I guess.

Did you pull that from the 1991 FSM in your sig? I have a 1990 FSM for my HDJ which is crappy (no troubleshooting), and I have a FZJ 1996 that does not say what you quoted above.

From the 1991 Toyota EWD. For the 3FE US spec.

 

[jellis]

Oh thanks, this one is MUCH better than the 1990 HDJ I have! My printed 1990 EWD has the 3FE as well so I can cross-reference and extrapolate. Found it in the resources section.