hey i got a 200 amp alternator for my car. i went and droppped the 700 to get the good one and i can not figure it out. they say to run a direct wire to the battery from the alternator. my car is a 2000 so the battery is under the back seat. the stock set up had a wire going fron the alternator to a distribution/ fuse block under the hood then on to the battery. here is the deal though. when i start the car the battey gauge stays on 12 volts(not the normal 14 when running right) then drops to zero. if you let it go it will eventually say check charging system on the d.i.c. i have tried everything from just like stock with the 0/1 gauge run straight to the battery(directions say use 4 gauge) to running straight from the alt to the bat then from the bat back to the distrbution block in the front. i have even undone the other batteries to try and figure out what the deal is and with one battery it does the same thing. i even got a new battery and it did the same thing. help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

did you throw a multimeter on there to see what is actually happening?

Sounds like the gauge isn't able to properly monitor the output voltage. Does that alternator have an external voltage regulator? If so then my guess is the gauge needs to sample it afterwards.

How do i know if it is a external or not. and what do tyou mean buy a sample of it. this is really driving me nuts. when you say have i put a multi meter on it what do you mean. the battery or the alternator? i have not done either i am afraid to mess up the car letting it run.

well I would test the out put voltage of the alt. (need two people) watch it on start up and then while all your problems occur.

I guess you could connect a battery charger to the battery, it would keep you from killing it and it is probably a sure way of supply power to the battery.

Honestly, I'm supprised others haven't chimed in.

wow 700bucks?!?!?!? thats crazy!!!

so should i wire it like stock with the 0/1 gauge wire direct to the battery?

i am not really worried about the money i wnat it to be top of the line and it is but i need it to work and i can not get it to. please guys pipe in i need SOME HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The custom 200A alternator I was quoted for included an external voltage regular. This is to help ensure reliabilty of some of the electronics associated with it because of the reduced space and large amount of heat generated by the new alternator. Who installed your alternator? If it was performed by a shop I would ask for their help or recommendation of someone experienced with your particular upgrade.

I believe that he did it himself.