Problems/Service/Repairs If you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!

reversed polarity, alternator not charging

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 12:37 AM
  #1  
cannuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-02-2008
Posts: 228
From: toronto
reversed polarity, alternator not charging *SOLVED*

i read the post with same issue, post had no resolution.

anyone know of the fix. everything works. cant find a fuse that relates to the alternator and battery. did blow the radio and amp fuse.

should be simple fix, where to look

Last edited by cannuck; Dec 19, 2013 at 01:50 PM.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 12:40 AM
  #2  
Lucky's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 12-24-2007
Posts: 2,873
From: Seville. OH
Have you replaced the alternator or have it tested?
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 01:08 AM
  #3  
843de's Avatar
Deceased
 
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
You undoubtedly blew the diodes in the alternator, they rectify the AC voltage into DC current for the vehicle's electrical system, plus they also provide voltage regulation.

Hooking up the battery backwards almost always takes out the diode pack in the alternator, necessitating the alternator's replacement or rebuilding.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 01:09 AM
  #4  
whopper's Avatar
Platinum Member
 
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
agreed 843de -


Cannuck - Please clarify: "reversed polarity" of what? Battery? alternator? ? Never mind - I found your other posting on the other thread - it was the battery that was hooked up backwards.

Well, my advice is the same as to the op in the other thread - take it to a shop that is well versed in electric repairs. As in the other thread, it is way to complex to diagnose over the internet. You could have 1 problem, but then again you could have 10 items that need repairs. In attempting to resolve it here or by yourself you risk further damage/expense.

I'm not saying this to be mean or anything, but to really drive home the fact that it really needs to be addressed hands-on by a professional - ......if one cannot connect a battery correctly (pos to pos, and neg to neg), they really should not be attempting repairs like this either here on a forum, or by themselves. I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but it really isn't meant to be.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 01:21 AM
  #5  
843de's Avatar
Deceased
 
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
I took a logical "leap" and guessed that the battery was hooked up backwards(due to the referenced thread being about a battery installed incorrectly), while possible to hook the alternator up backwards, it would be fairly obvious that things were wrong.

They don't give you much slack on the alternator wiring to get things crossed up.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 07:18 AM
  #6  
donbrew's Avatar
Moderator
 
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I have no idea how one could possible plug the alternator in backwards. It is a polarized plug.

Of course, if we could get complete sentences........
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 09:40 AM
  #7  
Oldblue's Avatar
Administrator
 
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,900
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Donbrew, Lucky, whopper and 843de have the right idea, you could spend way more with a trail by fire (pun intended) approach to resolve your issues with the electrical system. a good well known auto electric shop or dealership would be your best investment
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 11:12 AM
  #8  
cannuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-02-2008
Posts: 228
From: toronto
battery hooked up wrong . something got toasted. will check alternator to see if its putting out. funny how the car can run off just the battery or just the alternator.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 11:22 AM
  #9  
VinceP's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: 10-03-2010
Posts: 405
From: Cypress Texas
I did this when I was 16 waaaay back in 1976. Alterator was smoked. Luckily back then we did not have all of the computers and control modules we have now.

Hopefully it will just be the alternator and nothing more serious.

Good luck.
Old Dec 13, 2013 | 11:24 AM
  #10  
cannuck's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: 06-02-2008
Posts: 228
From: toronto
was hoping someone had same issue that would give input



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:52 AM.