Charging System Plymouth Barracuda

Did you have it checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's ? The charging system on that vehicle is computer controlled by GM smart charging system .
https://www.motor.com/magazine-summary/are-you-smarter-than-a-smart-charging-system /
Circuit Description
The generator provides voltage to operate the vehicle's electrical system and to charge its battery. A magnetic field is created when current flows through the rotor. This field rotates as the rotor is driven by the engine, creating an AC voltage in the stator windings. The AC voltage is converted to DC by the rectifier bridge and is supplied to the electrical system at the battery terminal.
When the engine is running, the generator turn signal is sent to the generator from the PCM, turning on the regulator. The generator's voltage regulator controls current to the rotor, thereby controlling the output voltage. The rotor current is proportional to the electrical pulse width supplied by the regulator. When the engine is started, the regulator senses generator rotation by detecting AC voltage at the stator through an internal wire. Once the engine is running, the regulator varies the field current by controlling the pulse width. This regulates the generator output voltage for proper battery charging and electrical system operation. The generator F terminal is connected internally to the voltage regulator and externally to the PCM. When the voltage regulator detects a charging system problem, it grounds this circuit to signal the PCM that a problem exists. The PCM monitors the generator field duty cycle signal circuit. The system voltage sense circuit receives B+ voltage that is Hot At All Times through the GEN BAT fuse in the underhood junction block. This voltage is used by the regulator as the reference for system voltage control.
Charging System Indicator
The IPC illuminates the charging system indicator when the following occurs:
• The PCM detects that the generator output is less than 11 volts or greater than 16 volts. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the PCM requesting illumination. The IPC sends a class 2 message to the body control module (BCM) indicating that the charging system indicator is illuminated. The BCM sends a class 2 message to the radio in order to activate an audible warning.
• The IPC performs the displays test at the start of each ignition cycle. The indicator illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
• The ignition is on, with the engine off.
• The ignition is in the accessory position.

The heavier gage wire connected to the back of the alternator needs Battery + voltage , does your vehicle have Battery + voltage there ?

The red wire from starter, at the alternator, hot all the time. The orange wire at alternator, hot all the time. Use a test light on those wires, if hot, I don't think it is a fuse? Your owners manual should have the fuse layout.

Running the car will drain the battery it if it's not charging ! An if your charging light is on it isn't charging ! Did you check power an grounds on the alternator ? There is a single heavier wire on the back of the alternator, this should have battery voltage ! You may want to take this to a ASE certified repair shop !
Functionality
With the ignition switch in the RUN position, voltage is applied through the warning indicator I circuit 904 (LG/RD) to the voltage regulator. This turns the regulator on, allowing current to flow from battery sense A circuit 35 (OG/LB) to the generator field coil. When the engine is started, the generator begins to generate alternating current (AC) which is internally converted to direct current (DC). This current is then supplied to the vehicle's electrical system through the output (B+) terminal of the generator.
Once the generator begins generating current, a voltage signal is taken from the generator stator and fed back to the regulator S circuit 4 (WH/BK). This voltage feedback signal (typically half the battery voltage) is used to turn off the warning indicator.
With the system functioning normally, the generator output current is determined by the voltage of the A circuit 35 (OG/LB). The A circuit 35 (OG/LB) voltage is compared to a set voltage internal to the regulator, and the regulator controls the generator field current to maintain the correct generator output.
The set voltage will vary with temperature and is typically higher in cold temperatures and lower in warm temperatures. This allows for better battery recharge in the winter and reduces the chance of overcharging in the summer.
Battery Positive Output (B+) Circuit 38 (BK/OG)
The generator output is supplied through the battery positive output (B+) terminal on the back of the generator to the battery and electrical system.
I Circuit 904 (LG/RD)
The I (ignition) circuit 904 (LG/RD) is used to turn on the voltage regulator. This circuit is powered up with the ignition switch in the RUN position. This circuit is also used to turn the charging system warning indicator on if there is a fault in the charging system operation.
A Circuit 35 (OG/LB)
The A (battery sense) circuit 35 (OG/LB) is used to sense battery voltage. This voltage is used by the regulator to determine generator output. This circuit is used to supply current to the generator field (rotor). The amount of current supplied to the rotor will determine generator output.
S Circuit 4 (WH/BK)
The S (stator) circuit 4 (WH/BK) is used to feed back a voltage signal from the generator to the regulator. This voltage is used by the regulator to turn off the charging system warning indicator. The S circuit is fed back externally on external mounted regulator generators.
Visual Inspection Chart Mechanical Electrical

• Battery case, posts, hold-down clamp, cables and connections
• Generator drive (serpentine) belt for condition and tension to make sure there is no slip between the belt and the pulley. For additional information, refer to Section 303-05 .
• Battery charge
• Generator pulley

• Battery junction box (BJB)Mega Fuse
• Battery junction box fuse:
  • 11 (20A)
• Central junction box (CJB) fuse:
  • 30 (30A)
• Circuitry
• Charging system warning indicator
• Cables

1. Check the operation of the charging system warning indicator lamp (instrument cluster). Normal operation is as follows:
   • With the ignition switch OFF, the charging system warning indicator should be OFF.
   • With the ignition switch in RUN and the engine off, the charging system warning indicator light should be on.
   • With the engine running, the charging system warning indicator light should be off.

1. Verify the battery condition. Refer to Section 414-01 .

Normal Charging System Voltages and Charging System Warning Indicator Operation Ignition Switch Position A Circuit 35 (OG/LB) S Circuit 4 (WH/BK) I Circuit 904 (LG/RD) Generator B+ Circuit 38 (BK/OG) Battery Engine to Battery Ground Charging System Warning Indicator Operation OFF 12 volts 0 volts 0 volts 12 volts 12 volts 0 volts Off RUN-engine off 12 volts 0 volts 1-3 volts 12 volts 12 volts 0 volts Illuminated RUN-engine running 13-
15 volts 1/2 battery voltage 13-
15 volts 13-
15 volts 13-
15 volts 0 volts Off

1. If the customer concern is verified after the initial inspection, refer to the Symptom Chart to determine which tests to carry out.
2. • The charging system warning indicator is on with the engine running (the system voltage does not increase)
   • Circuitry.
   • Voltage regulator.
   • Generator.
   • GO to Pinpoint Test B .
   Your whole problem is the alternator is not charging , a couple tests with a volt meter would tell you !

test the battery voltage while the engine is running, (you'll have to jump it again)
if you know the battery, voltage regulator and alternator are good, you may have to check all the fuse-able links on the car, all the vehicle grounds, and the fuses and relays.
if you put your battery on charge until it is fully charged and let the car sit over night and it is dead, either the battery is internally shorted or the vehicle is drawing far to much current and each circuit tested to find the short.

Hello, again, again Bridget. First I sent you explanation of the ignition system and I gave you my best guess---ignition module on your 1994 Plymouth with V6 3.4 L engine.

As far as voltage regulation goes there isn't any external devise to do this. This voltage voltage regulation take place inside the alternator after the three phase AC voltage is turn into none regulated DC voltage. Now this DC voltage goes thru a voltage regulator that built into the alternator where the output DC voltage is 13.8 to 14.1 DC Volts. Now, the alternator is regulated for current by the it wire windings in the alternator. Larger the copper wire the more current the alternator will produce. GB.....stewbison

knowing the color codes can be a great help..usually in 12v reg system,from the regulator there are 6 white wire having a stripe codes,blue means neutral,green means field,black means ground to body,white means hot wired to +12v,yellow means to bat charging indicator going to instrument panel and finally red means to ignition....and always secure the regulators case to ground.

The first thing you need to do is stop wasting your money by replacing parts. Then get a volt-ohm meter and a test light to test the circuits between the battery, the alternator, the ignition switch, the starter relay and the voltage regulator. (a.k.a. Charging System Circuits)

To start, the "B+" or "BATT" terminal on the alternator (large black wire) MUST have a solid, direct connection to the battery. Check for the proper voltage here. Then, the red wire on the alternator at the "F2" terminal should be HOT at all times. If not, you probably still have a bad fuse link that you missed. The "F1" terminal on the alternator (Light Green wire) is known as your "FIELD" wire. It comes from the "IG" terminal at the voltage regulator. It should be hot any time the key is in the ON position. If not, your voltage regulator is not working or your ignition switch is not providing power to the regulator. Finally, The "F" terminal (Red wire) at the regulator should be hot any time the ignition switch is in the ON position. This actually gets it's power from the starter relay, which gets its power from the ignition switch.

Please also review these articles:

What Else Could Be Wrong?

My Car Won't Turn Over

Jump terminals A to F and the alternator should full field and charge. If it charges then replace the regulator. if it doesn't charge replace the alternator. I remember the terminals by thinking of the word AIR FORCE .

Hope this is helpful, Ian

CHARGING
DESCRIPTION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system consists of:
† Generator
† Decoupler Pulley (If equipped)
† Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) circuitry
within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
† Ignition switch (refer to the Ignition System section
for information)
† Battery (refer to the Battery section for information)
† Battery temperature sensor
† Voltmeter (refer to the Instrument Cluster section
for information)
† Wiring harness and connections (refer to the
Wiring section for information)
† Accessory drive belt (refer to the Cooling section
for more information)
OPERATION - CHARGING SYSTEM
The charging system is turned on and off with the
ignition switch. The system is on when the engine is
running and the ASD relay is energized. When the
ASD relay is on, voltage is supplied to the ASD relay
sense circuit at the PCM. This voltage is connected
through the PCM and supplied to one of the generator
field terminals (Gen. Source +) at the back of the
generator.
The generator is driven by the engine through a
serpentine belt and pulley or decoupler pulley
arrangement.
The amount of DC current produced by the generator
is controlled by the EVR (field control) circuitry
contained within the PCM. This circuitry is connected
in series with the second rotor field terminal
and ground.
A battery temperature sensor is used to sense battery
temperature. This temperature data, along with
data from monitored line voltage, is used by the PCM
to vary the battery charging rate. This is done by
cycling the ground path to control the strength of the
rotor magnetic field. The PCM then compensates and
regulates generator current output accordingly to
maintain system voltage at the targeted system voltage
based on battery temperature.
All vehicles are equipped with On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD). All OBD-sensed systems, including EVR
(field control) circuitry, are monitored by the PCM.
Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic
memory for certain failures it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostics in the Electronic Control Modules(
Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES/POWERTRAIN CONTROL
MODULE - DESCRIPTION) section for more DTC
information.
The Check Gauges Lamp (if equipped) monitors:
charging system voltage, engine coolant temperature
and engine oil pressure. If an extreme condition
is indicated, the lamp will be illuminated. This is
done as reminder to check the three gauges. The signal
to activate the lamp is sent via the PCI bus circuits.
The lamp is located on the instrument panel.
Refer to the Instrument Cluster section for additional
information.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
DESCRIPTION
The Electronic Voltage Regulator (EVR) is not a
separate component. It is actually a voltage regulating
circuit located within the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM). The EVR is not serviced separately. If
replacement is necessary, the PCM must be replaced.
OPERATION
The amount of DC current produced by the generator
is controlled by EVR circuitry contained within
the PCM. This circuitry is connected in series with
the generators second rotor field terminal and its
ground.
Voltage is regulated by cycling the ground path to
control the strength of the rotor magnetic field. The
EVR circuitry monitors system line voltage (B+) and
battery temperature or inlet air temperature sensor
(refer to Battery Temperature Sensor or Inlet Air
Temperature Sensor for more information). It then
determines a target charging voltage. If sensed battery
voltage is 325 mv or lower than the target voltage,
the PCM grounds the field winding until sensed
battery volage is 325 mv above target voltage. A circuit
in the PCM cycles the ground side of the generator
field up to 250 times per second (250Hz), but
has the capability to ground the field control wire
100% of the time (full field) to achieve the target
voltage. If the charging rate cannot be monitored
(limp-in), a duty cycle of 25% is used by the PCM in
order to have some generator output. Also refer to
Charging System Operation for additional information.
REMOVAL
The electronic voltage regulator is not a serviced
separately. If replacement is necessary, the PCM
must be replaced.

need the engine and whether its internal or external regulator and your fax or email