Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hello,AC generator is not charging.Battery light is on.Any suggestions?How doI polarize?Thanks!!

Do you have a service manual? The instructions are in there.

I have the electronic version.All I seen in there is to jump a and b terminal on the v. regulator,but I dont know which ones are a and b Thanks!

A quick check is to ground the field terminal. If the generator charges, then the regulator is faulty.

Thanks!How would I do that exactly?

55clippercustom, You take an insulted electrical wire with two alligator clips on it. Attach one end to the Field terminal of the generator. Attach the other end to a ground like the generator mounting bracket. Then run the engine and see if the amp or volt meter registers a full charging or if generator light goes out. If generator charging is indicated, the regulator is at fault. If a discharge is still indicated, then probably the best thing for you to do would be to take it to an auto electric shop and have them check the system for you. Good luck, and let us know how this works for you.

Thanks!!!I will do that today.How many wires/cables should be hooked to the battery on this car?I only have Ground strap and the positive coming from starter.I was just wondering if there should be a seperate charging wire coming from the generator?

No separate wire to the battery for that. The output from your generator goes to the regulator and from there down to the the battery cable at the starter. The terminal on the starter acts as a junction block for several circuits on the car.

Your '55 Clipper should have positive battery terminal (post) grounded. The negative cable goes to the starter. No other cables on the battery. The Armature (A) and Field (F) terminals from the generator go to the respective A and F terminals on the voltage regulator. The third terminal on the regulator is the Battery (B). You may also have a third wire from the generator to the regulator. This would be a Ground (G). If you have no experience with these systems you may want to do some reading on basic automobile electrical systems and read the service manuals on these cars available on this site in the Manuals and Literature section. Good luck.

Thanks!Yes I figured out everything junctions through the starter.I just wanted to make sure I wasnt missing any wires.I am not very familiar with these systems because i have mostly worked on more modern electrical systems.I have determined the V. reg. is good and that the Generator is simply not producing a charge.Thanks for all the help!!