Thread: "Exciting" a Mopar alternator?

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I got my 440 running, used an aftermarket wiring harness with a Camaro column. There is a wire labeled "alternator exciter" and I plugged it into the alternator (100A, internal reg.). The alternator won't charge if that wire is plugged in when the engine is started, but if I unplug it and plug it back in, it starts charging. What gives? I'm no electrical genious, so I welcome all the help I can get.

Originally Posted by animalracer

I got my 440 running, used an aftermarket wiring harness with a Camaro column. There is a wire labeled "alternator exciter" and I plugged it into the alternator (100A, internal reg.). The alternator won't charge if that wire is plugged in when the engine is started, but if I unplug it and plug it back in, it starts charging. What gives? I'm no electrical genious, so I welcome all the help I can get.

unplug the wire,take a test light and check and see when you have voltage on the wire. will it charge without the wire plugged up?

It's a Chrysler alternator. The wire is hot with the switch "on". The car will run without it, just doesn't charge. It won't charge when the engine is first started, either, until it's taken off then re-installed.