Need help ASAP! Gauge cluster does not work after alt install!? WTF!!!!!?? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

az_240 · 09-26-2008, 03:31 AM

Just installed an alternator out of a 89 240sx into my 1997 240sx.

I also installed some new battery terminals.

Now my gauge cluster does not work at all.

The little clock lights up but there is no time. Gauges do not move and lights do not turn on.

Radio lights and such are fine.

Is it something with the alternator?

lemme know

Thanks

Edit: I just checked my tail lights and turn signals and they are out as well.

Edit x2:

Checked my fuses and the main blue 100A fuse in the engine bay was blown. I cant even remove the damn thing... Is this fuse even replaceable?

So I'm assuming the sohc alternator will not work on a dohc?

projectRDM · 09-26-2008, 09:04 AM

The alternator is the same, besides a smaller charging stud.

Remove the 100A fusible link by unbolting it from each side. It doesn't slide out like the smaller ones. Next time, disconnect the battery before servicing so you won't blow fuses when the unit leads ground to the chassis.

az_240 · 09-26-2008, 04:24 PM

Battery was disconnected during install.

What else could it be?

Im thinking I need a new alternator which will set me back almost $200 which I REALLY CANT AFFORD RIGHT NOW.

Please if anybody has any more info it is greatly appreciated. I need this bitch running again ASAP

projectRDM · 09-26-2008, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_240

Battery was disconnected during install.

What else could it be?

Im thinking I need a new alternator which will set me back almost $200 which I REALLY CANT AFFORD RIGHT NOW.

Please if anybody has any more info it is greatly appreciated. I need this bitch running again ASAP

Remans are about $140. Rebuilding the old one is about $70. Have you checked ALL the fuses, inside and out? And you're certain you've hooked it up right, IE the charging stud is connected to the battery, through the plastic insulator? Some people get confused and swap the charge lead and ground lead which will blow all kinds of shit quick.

az_240 · 09-26-2008, 07:02 PM

charging stud on the alternator? the thing with the red boot? it is connected.

not sure about a plastic insulator...... how would someone swap the charge and ground????? like what wires and where? maybe thats what I did...???

projectRDM · 09-26-2008, 07:08 PM

The lead coming from the fusebox goes to the charging stud. There's a plastic insulator that keeps it from grounding on the alternator case. They can break easily from overtightening. This will ground it out.
The ground lead bolts to the case. People in the past have got them confused and bolted the ground to the charging stud. Once the battery is reconnected the 100A link is directly connected to ground, thus blowing it.

az_240 · 09-26-2008, 07:16 PM

AHHHHH!!! I think I found my problem!!!!!!!!

the plastic insulator! I remember there was not one on the alternator I got..... I did not think anything of it....

Ahh man you are a freaking LIFE SAVER!

I seriously love you

Edit:

Sure enough that was the problem.... put the plastic insulator back on the alternator stud and all is good. I would have never figured it out if it wasnt for RDM.

Thanks again

projectRDM · 09-26-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_240

AHHHHH!!! I think I found my problem!!!!!!!!

the plastic insulator! I remember there was not one on the alternator I got..... I did not think anything of it....

Ahh man you are a freaking LIFE SAVER!

I seriously love you

Edit:

Sure enough that was the problem.... put the plastic insulator back on the alternator stud and all is good. I would have never figured it out if it wasnt for RDM.

Thanks again

You're welcome.

xplicit240 · 09-26-2008, 07:46 PM

thats RNA friendly neighborhood Zilvian.

i came too late to help but glad to see your out of trouble.

09-26-2008, 03:31 AM	#1
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	Need help ASAP! Gauge cluster does not work after alt install!? WTF!!!!!?? Just installed an alternator out of a 89 240sx into my 1997 240sx. I also installed some new battery terminals. Now my gauge cluster does not work at all. The little clock lights up but there is no time. Gauges do not move and lights do not turn on. Radio lights and such are fine. Is it something with the alternator? lemme know Thanks Edit: I just checked my tail lights and turn signals and they are out as well. Edit x2: Checked my fuses and the main blue 100A fuse in the engine bay was blown. I cant even remove the damn thing... Is this fuse even replaceable? So I'm assuming the sohc alternator will not work on a dohc? Last edited by az_240; 09-26-2008 at 04:10 AM..

09-26-2008, 09:04 AM	#2
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	The alternator is the same, besides a smaller charging stud. Remove the 100A fusible link by unbolting it from each side. It doesn't slide out like the smaller ones. Next time, disconnect the battery before servicing so you won't blow fuses when the unit leads ground to the chassis. __________________ FORMERLY R240NA Learn what's really going on and protect your assets now before they're gone forever: www.paypalsucks.com

09-26-2008, 07:08 PM	#6
projectRDM Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Atlanta Age: 51 Posts: 13,812 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	The lead coming from the fusebox goes to the charging stud. There's a plastic insulator that keeps it from grounding on the alternator case. They can break easily from overtightening. This will ground it out. The ground lead bolts to the case. People in the past have got them confused and bolted the ground to the charging stud. Once the battery is reconnected the 100A link is directly connected to ground, thus blowing it. __________________ FORMERLY R240NA Learn what's really going on and protect your assets now before they're gone forever: www.paypalsucks.com

09-26-2008, 07:16 PM	#7
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	AHHHHH!!! I think I found my problem!!!!!!!! the plastic insulator! I remember there was not one on the alternator I got..... I did not think anything of it.... Ahh man you are a freaking LIFE SAVER! I seriously love you Edit: Sure enough that was the problem.... put the plastic insulator back on the alternator stud and all is good. I would have never figured it out if it wasnt for RDM. Thanks again Last edited by az_240; 09-26-2008 at 08:20 PM..

09-26-2008, 07:46 PM	#9
xplicit240 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Weird NJ! Age: 40 Posts: 723 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	thats RNA friendly neighborhood Zilvian. i came too late to help but glad to see your out of trouble. __________________

09-26-2008, 04:24 PM	#3
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	Battery was disconnected during install. What else could it be? Im thinking I need a new alternator which will set me back almost $200 which I REALLY CANT AFFORD RIGHT NOW. Please if anybody has any more info it is greatly appreciated. I need this bitch running again ASAP

09-26-2008, 07:02 PM	#5
az_240 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phx Posts: 3,097 Trader Rating: (41) Feedback Score: 41 reviews	charging stud on the alternator? the thing with the red boot? it is connected. not sure about a plastic insulator...... how would someone swap the charge and ground????? like what wires and where? maybe thats what I did...???