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Although I am not a professional auto technician, I have been in the construction, handyman, Do-It-Yourself, and "shade tree" mechanic fields for over 60 years, so this answer will be a layman's answer.
The way I determine the need for alternator replacement is:
- IF the alternator is not charging the battery, and
- The alternator either has no voltage output [measured with a VOM (Volt-Ohm Meter)], or the output voltage fails to be between 12.5 Volts and 16 Volts.
- And a complete troubleshooting of the vehicle electrical system fails to find any defects which would cause battery drain which exceeds the ability of the alternator to compensate.
- Or, if the bearings/bushings are damaged or worn out, resulting in a terrible "grinding" noise emanating from the alternator.
These are the conditions I use to determine the need to replace an alternator.
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∙ 14y ago
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Replace Car Alternator?
form_title=Replace Car Alternator form_header=If you're having trouble with the alternator, you might notice problems starting the car or charging the battery. How old is the battery?=_ Has the car been making weird noises when you try to start it?= () Yes () No Is there a brand or aftermarket alternator you would prefer to buy for your car?= () Yes () No
How long should the alternator on your car last?
Impossible to answer as it depends on use and abuse. Normal use will see no need to replace one on a modern car.
How do you know you need an alternator or a battery?
It's easy to distinguish if your car has a damage alternator or battery. The first thing you do is to start your car using your old battery then, once the engine is running then remove the cable from your battery, if the car still running that means the alternator is still charging but is it enough? so you have to measure the current that is being generated by the alternator using a multi tester. If the reading from the tester can reach 13 to 14 volts then your alternator is still good. If not then the carbon brush of the alternator might need to be replace or the IC. If your car battery is already leaking then it possible that the plates are already damage, or if you have tried to charge your battery but the power is easily drained then it needs to be replace. i hope this can help ......... deep
How do you replace the alternator on a 1994 Geo Prizm?
From under the car.
How do you replace the alternator on a 1990 Geo Prism?
From under the car.
How do you replace the alternator on a 2008 dodge avenger?
How do you replace an alternator on 2008 dodge Avenger? My car is making a whining noise and this may be the problem.
Can you eliminate alternator from car?
you need the alternator to charge the battery with no alternator when the battery drops to about 10 volts car will not run at all.
Car battery light won't go off?
Replace your alternator
How much would it cost to replace an alternator in a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue?
It is important to know the cost of replacing parts or making repairs on a car. For a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue it should cost between $90 and $200 for a person to replace the alternator on their own.
What if you had the car only for a week and the alternator goes out twice?
You got a sh**ty car. replace it
How do you know if your alternator is bad in a 98 Hyundai Sonata?
while the car is running unhook the negative battery cable. If the car remains running then your alternater is good if it stalls then replace it.
How do you know when you need an alternator?
A new battery or one that tested good is in the vehicle and the car is still losing power. the alternator is what charges the battery while the vehicle is operating.
