Current condition:
New alternator (autozone)
New battery (walmart)
New fuse between alternator and battery.
Wait 2 hours and cycle repeats. (charging stops after several minutes)
I can only think of a heat related regulator problem.
Extra data: unpluging alternator regultor wires (sense and light in single connector) does not change anything.
When regulator wires are plugged in dash battery light works (cold engine) and doesn't work (hot engine). When unplugged dash battery light does not work. (switch at on before starting) Car starts in either configuration. (unless battery is dead).
History:
Car stopped on road. (battery light not on) Towed home. Battery dead. Battery replaced. Started fine. Alternator charging battery (14.5 volts at battery) when checked next day.
Car stopped on road. (battery light not on) Replaced battery. car starts. battery not being charged (12.2 volts on battery - goes down with use)
Replaced alternator. (autozone test says old alternator bad (3 volts out).
Car stopped on road. (battery light not on) Replaced battery. car starts. battery not being charged (12.2 volts on battery - goes down with use) Drive home.
Wait a few hours. Cycle begins again.
I am ready to ask autozone for replacement alternator (lifetime warranty) but it will likely test good on their test stand.
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