Wiring for a Ford 302 Alternator

Hooking up the alternator first requires that the four threaded posts located on the back of the alternator be identified. At the upper portion of the back of the alternator are three metal posts arraigned in a single horizontal line. The post on the left will be referred to as "Post 1." The post in the middle will be referred to as "Post 2." The post on the right will be referred to as "Post 3." Below these three posts is a fourth post, which will be referred to as "Post 4."

Several different wires connect to the posts on the back of the alternator. Each wire is color-coded. Locate the single black wire with a red stripe which runs the length of the wire. This wire acts as a ground, and is attached to either the engine block or the frame of the vehicle. Locate the white wire, and the white wire with a black stripe, which both exit the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment next to the radiator. Locate the solid black wire attached to the positive side of the starter solenoid. The solenoid is located on the passenger's side of the engine compartment, next to the battery. The positive side of the solenoid has a "+" symbol stamped next to its threaded post.

Note that a single nut has been threaded onto each of the four posts on the back of the alternator. These nuts are used to attach the wires to the posts. Remove each of the four nuts with a wrench. Also note that each of the wires has an eyelet at its end. The eyelet slides over the post on the alternator and the nut is then threaded onto the post and tightened with a wrench. The solid black wire attaches to Post 1. The solid white wire attaches to Post 2. The black wire with the red stripe attaches to Post 3. Finally, the white wire with the black stripe attaches to Post 4.