i just replaced the alternator on '89 Mitsubishi Galant. A few days later the car just went dead at noon after driving off and on all morning. Found the ground wire for the alternator not hooked up. Hooked up ground wire, put in new battery. It cranks but won't start. Acts like its not getting fire. Any suggestions???

 

check your spark plugs, im not sure if it can happen but your sparkplugs might be shot from not grounding it? im a newbie, but check that out...

 

His spark plugs were grounded.

He may have a fuel pump problem or a computer problem.

Check the fuses for the computer and fuel pump.

Do you know how to check for spark?

 

i say check the fuses, that sounds right

 

Checked fuses didnt find any burned out, not sure how to check and see if my plugs are firing. How do I do that?

 

Well the easiest way if you have mechanical abilities is to pull a spark plug out stick it back in the wire holding the wire and keeping the plug grounded on the block turn the key. No spark = no fire IN the block. Also it's a possibility that the ground you found WASN'T for the alt but for the block. Block not groundded = no fire from plugs. The plugs get their ground from being in contact with the block itself. find your block ground and check it for breaks and corrosion.

 

We found a wire that is off the block. Not sure where it goes. Will try to call a mechanic. Please come back with a reply if you can. Thanks.

 

okay if the wire i found wasnt the ground for the alt, and it was the one for the block, can i hook that up just about anywhere as long as its in contact with the block?

 

when you put the alternator on it should already be grounded. you dont have a ground wire for the 89. you should have your positive wire that splits in to two wires conected to one terminal on the alt. and the plug that just plugs in.

 

still can't figure out why it won't start. acts like not getting fire. may end up having to do diagnostic to determine. is there a relay that could be affected? just replaced coil and electronic ignition relay a few months ago. parts were less than $100, by the time i had it towed, diagnostic and labor was $400. was working just fine before battery quit. have new battery but won't turn over.