On my MK4 XR3i (EFI) I am having trouble with my battery charging.

It is a new battery and I replaced my alternator which I pressumed was broke. I fitted a refurbed alternator but the battery was still not charging up. I took the refurb back and got a brand new alternator.

I put this on and still not working.

Whilst the car is running is is drawing 9amps, yet nothing is going back to charge the battery.

I have also checked the starter motor which is fine and the cables from the + on the battery aren't drawing anything major whilst engine is off.

Anyone got any ideas what the problem could be?

Cheers

 

You need to make sure the BATTERY WARNING light is working first, as this passes a live to the alternator from the ignition(when swithced on) to excite field windings so the alt produces current when turning(engine running).
If this is NOT working you will get no charge.
You can do a few tests, with the engine running but the IND(battery warning light wire) terminal OFF the rear of the alternator, check VOLTAGE at the main output of the alternator(large 13mm nut terminal), note the reading, now touch a LIVE onto the IND terminal where you took the THIN wire(normally blue) off of the rear of the altenator , the alternator will now start chanrging if all is well, if it does not alter or go above battery voltage that you had to start with the alternator is duff.
tabetha