so that doesn't sound right.
you should have battery voltage not 0 at the back of the alt.
The large stud should be hot all the time.
If there isn't battery voltage there, you have a break in that line somewhere.

What are you using as ground when you check that voltage?


Key on, you should check each field. one should also be battery voltage, the other will be something less, like 3 volts or so.

Again, if you aren't getting battery voltage there, start checking lines.