Tech Info: What are the "R" and "F" connections on my alternator?
What are the "R" and "F" connections on my alternator?
Question:
Dear Sirs, I am putting a basket case 71 Chevy C-10 back together. The alternator wire harness has 4 wires, I assume the heavy one is the output and goes to the biggest post, the smaller one is a ground, and goes to the ground post. It also has 2- spade connectors, one is on a blue wire, and the other is on a white wire. I can see an “R” and an “F” blades on the back of the alternator, which goes where? Thanks in advance
Answer:
You are correct as far as the positive and ground wires are concerned. The R and F terminals are the 'Reference' or voltage sense terminal and the 'Field' terminal. The color on the spade connectors doesn't matter, you will have to use a multimeter to determine which connector goes to which pin. The R will be hot at all times while the F will only be hot when the ignition is keyed on.
