Exciter Wire on CJ7 Alternator - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

MTing! · 08-12-2008, 01:56 PM

1986 Jeep Cj7 with I-6 258 and Delco style alternator. I am getting a slight continuity reading on my Fluke meter between the Alternator exciter wire and the ground. (The 18ga. brown wire coming out of the top of the ALT).

- Is this a sign that the internal voltage regulator on the ALT is going bad?
- The exciter wire goes from the ALT back into the ignition wiring circuit. What is the exciter wire actual for?

MTing! · 08-13-2008, 09:08 AM

I have been told that I DO need the exciter wire in the circuit. Although if anyone has any specific info on the exciter wire I would be interested in hearing your thoughts.

jeepinwilson · 08-13-2008, 11:05 AM

When you start your rig the exciter wire is energized and starts the charging circuit on the regulator, if you do not have it, your alternator will never charge. Think of it like an "on" switch. Aftermarket companies do make one wire self exciting alternators for GM applications that do eliminate the exciter wire though.

MTing! · 08-13-2008, 02:09 PM

Thanks Wilson, that makes sense to me. I understand why it is wired back into the harness the way it is.

08-12-2008, 01:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
MTing! Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Member # 117360 Location: Flint MI - South Sy-eed Posts: 12	Exciter Wire on CJ7 Alternator 1986 Jeep Cj7 with I-6 258 and Delco style alternator. I am getting a slight continuity reading on my Fluke meter between the Alternator exciter wire and the ground. (The 18ga. brown wire coming out of the top of the ALT). - Is this a sign that the internal voltage regulator on the ALT is going bad? - The exciter wire goes from the ALT back into the ignition wiring circuit. What is the exciter wire actual for? __________________ Give em' the Purple Nurple!

08-13-2008, 09:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
MTing! Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Member # 117360 Location: Flint MI - South Sy-eed Posts: 12	I have been told that I DO need the exciter wire in the circuit. Although if anyone has any specific info on the exciter wire I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. __________________ Give em' the Purple Nurple! Last edited by MTing!; 08-13-2008 at 09:13 AM.

08-13-2008, 11:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
jeepinwilson Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Member # 34804 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 770	When you start your rig the exciter wire is energized and starts the charging circuit on the regulator, if you do not have it, your alternator will never charge. Think of it like an "on" switch. Aftermarket companies do make one wire self exciting alternators for GM applications that do eliminate the exciter wire though. __________________ 1947 Willys

08-13-2008, 02:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
MTing! Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Member # 117360 Location: Flint MI - South Sy-eed Posts: 12	Thanks Wilson, that makes sense to me. I understand why it is wired back into the harness the way it is. __________________ Give em' the Purple Nurple!

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