![]() The 3-pin alternator is a synonym for the 3-wire alternator we’ve been discussing in this article. The terminal 2 wire is the voltage sensing wire, while the terminal 1 wire is the exciter/ignition input wire. The second and third wires are next to each other and are called terminal wires. The first wire is the largest in diameter and painted red – the positive battery wire, which leads to the battery through a wire junction or directly. ![]() What are the three wires for my alternator? It’s an improvement over the 1-wire alternator and can be retrofitted into older vehicles through the steps explained in the previous section. The 3 wire alternator detects the voltage at the fuse block and the ignition, so it can regulate the charge and adjust it when necessary. The diode itself prevents two-way current flow – once the key is released the alternator will run, and it will be able to shut off when the key goes to the off position.įAQs Why does the alternator have 3 wires? When you flip it back off, the diode will turn off and not leech battery power. When you turn the ignition to the On position, the diode will light up and the alternator field gets excited – hence the name. The wire goes through the diode and connects to the On position of the ignition switch. It’s often called the dummy light as it doesn’t have a practical purpose in the sense of illumination. Terminal 1 connects to a dashboard light, a diode, or a LED light. I’m not sure what exactly it does, but you can read the 1-letter code marking the terminal and check online. Terminal 2 connects to the positive lead and forms a small circuit. It goes to the battery, with or without passing through a junction block (an intersection for cables), and delivers power. The positive lead is the thick red wire with the o-ring. The identification process is important, as you don’t want to get them confused. Now, let’s talk about what each of the steps does. On the cars that don’t have it, you’ll wire a dummy light between terminal 1 and the On position of the ignition switch.
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