Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting My alternator isn't charging but why!

Yesterday I took off my accordian and filter and such to clean the TB and when I put it all back together the battery light came on and didn't go out...I took it for a drive and the ABS light came on and then the tach fell to zero but the car was still running fine. I turned the ignition off the car was dead immediately...solenoid was just clicking.

Is there something near the intake or TB that I could have knocked loose concerning the alt?

I replaced my battery today and the problem still persists. Cleaned the terminals. Battery runs 12.6 with ignition off and 12.3 with it on.

Just some details that may help generate assistance:

Car year,model, mileage, atx or mtx?

When you say "ignition on" do you mean engine running?

Why did you replace battery?

98 SVT 56k Miles Turning the ignition on = starting the car

Hydrometer on battery had been red for a while

I'll let horseydug finish with his conclusions but voltage readings that low with the engine running indicating that it is not charging. One possible cause for this is the in line fuse between the alternator and the battery on the B+ lead (the big lead). Check to see if you have battery voltage on the B+ connection at the alternator (you don't need to have the engine running). If you don't, repair that circuit before going any further.

Well initially reading your post bad terminal connections or bad battery seemed a possibility (the clicking solenoid).
You've eliminated that potential problem by cleaning, and replacing battery has allowed you to get the engine running. As Big Jim says those voltage readings indicate no output from generator. Alt OK would produce minimum 13.5 volts at battery.

My guess is that bad battery has led to alternator problems and as you may know their a PIA to access or to replace on these cars. If you want to check further you would have to remove right wheel to gain access to alt terminals. But if you are unable/unwilling to replace alt yourself you might as well take it to shop.

Please post again if you wish to pursue.

Edit:
p.s. Re-reading your post, my question and your answer I'm not sure we are clearly communicating here. Since you did not answer my question directly, Big Jim and I are interpreting you to be saying engine is running. Please confirm.