Hey everyone, new owner here, and I have a problem.
I own a 85 rx-7 gs, w/ an 83 12a swapped in. The alternator that's currently in, I run it without the plug in the back of the alternator plugged up. The reason is because when I have it plugged in, I am unable to completely shut off the car, I can literally put the key to off position, take it off, and still drive. Can anyone tell me what the plug of the back of the alternator does, assuming I need it? It occasionally drains my battery and I am unable to start the car unless I get it jump started. May be I need a new alternator? but what if I have the same problem about being unable to turn the car off. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks.

also, I just had the battery changed and still have this problem. I tried making a toggle switch for the back plug so I could turn it on when i start the car, and turn it off before turning my car off.

 

top wire allows the alternator to start charging while the other control the gauges

 

LOL, mine does that too! One day when I turned the key off and it was still running the window wasn't up and I hit the switch. The window didn't move but the draw did shut the engine off. never bothered doing anything about it, the window switch works just fine as a kill switch for now. I did replace the alternator at one point, and it does the same thing. So, it's not an alternator issue. Try turning your headlights on after turning the key off, Good luck.

 

its the ignition relay...contactors not opening when shut.

 

Wow, wacky has gotten real close to his 10K mark.

 

almost there bud..

 

so what should i do? i dont have much experience and i'm sure my dad finds electrical issues a hassle..

can i do without the plug put in?

also, i'll try the headlight thing :P

 

get a new relay

 

exactly

 

Thanks.

 

ok, looking at some alternators, i noticed people had a white plug in the back of their alternator, the plug we've been tryin to put in was a green one, i put the white one in (it was kinda hidden) and now the car is workin fine...anyone have an idea of what the green one went to and why it would cause the car not to shut off? previous owner took out a/c, heater and alot of other things, i just didnt think there was gonna be another plug that would fit in the back of the alternator. heh.

 

Al green plugs are for test connections/jumpers, ignore it. Also, if an alternator isn't properly grounded through the case, the engine can continue to run on it's own. Happened to me after I powdercoated the one in my FC. Had to sand the powdercoat off the mounting ears for the engine to shut off with the key.

 

ok, i thought it was back to normal so i started / turned off car to make sure it's fine, and it was, but then when i took it for a spin and went to gas station, it wouldnt start lol...so maybe it's time i need a new alternator

 

WOW!