Not charging

2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
100,000 MILES • 3.4L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHN BASSO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I drove my car to the store and upon exiting it wouldn't start. I checked the battery voltage and it was down to 9.5 volts. I was working under the hood yesterday and my wrench made contact between the alternator housing and firewall and there was a spark, it did not touch the alternator wire or anywhere near so I'm not sure why it sparked? But now it doesn't seem to b charging.

Additional information:

I have an aftermarket stereo and sub and multiple maps. I have a second battery wired to the trunk for the audio system. Took both batteries out of car and charged overnight and topped up with water. Will be going back to drive car home in a few but unsure what to test from here.
Dec 21, 2019 at 3:28 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like your vehicle's alternator has failed and needs to be replaced. Here is a link down below explaining how to test it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

If the alternator test bad, then I have included in the diagrams down below the instructions from the vehicle manufacturer for the removal and installation of your vehicle's alternator. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
Dec 21, 2019 at 5:25 PM