What are alternatives to the car?
What is a car alternator?
Answer .
An alternator is a device that produces electric current from some of the power generated by the engine. The electric current is used to power the electric devices that are part of the vehicle, and the current is also used to recharge the chemical storage device that stores current for …NEXT time you want to start the engine (battery).\n.
\nContrary to what many people believe, batteries do not create electricity, they only store it and let you use it when you want to do something later, like start an engine or listen to a radio. The automobile alternator is actually just a small verison of the big generators used by power companies to give you the electricity in your home to turn on lights, run the vacuum cleaner or sit at your computer and surf the net. ( Full Answer )
How do you know when the alternator is going on your car?
Answer .
If the voltage level is low or the battery is not getting an adequate charge, you may have an alternator problem. Unfortunately, there are no single lights, gauges or other indicators that you can look at to see for certain that it's the alternator. The best way to check the condition o…f an alternator is to take the vehicle to an auto parts retailer, such as Auto Zone or whatever their competition is in your area. They'll generally test your entire charging system and tell you what's wrong. They do this in hopes that you'll buy the replacment parts from them, so they don't charge for that service.\n.
\nIf you don't really want to take it anywhere, see if you can get a volt meter. Test the battery voltage when the vehicle is not running. With the meter turned on, just hold the point of the red wire against the positive battery terminal and the point of the black wire against the negative battery terminal. The battery should show very close to 12 Volts DC. Don't use the AC scale, or the amps or any other feature of the meter, since it is quite possible that doing so would destroy the meter.\n.
\nThe battery terminal will not harm YOU. It's only 12 volts, not even enough to feel. If the voltage is low, for example around 10 volts or less, you may need to charge the battery or get a battery boost from another vehicle before the car will even start. Once the car is started, make sure all other charging devices and vehicles are disconnected from the vehicle you're testing. Connect the meter to the battery again and find out what the voltage is when the engine is running. Have a friend bring the engine up just a little from idle when you test the voltage. You should get about 13.5 Volts DC, but your vehicle may be a little different, and the meter may be calibrated a little off as well, but if it's anywhere from 13 to 14 volts, the alternator is probably working ok. Turn on the lights, rear window defroster, AC and wipers to see if the voltage goes down. No matter what accessories you turn on, the alternator should be able to keep the voltage constant. If not, it's probably a faulty alternator. ( Full Answer )
Do all cars have alternators?
Answer .
Simply put, Yes! The alternator basically is a unit that is turned through a belt, normally called the 'Fan Belt'. As it turns it produces an electrical charge which provides electricity which is stored in the car's battery. If you have ever left your lights on overnight to find a f…lat battery in the morning, there is not enough charge or power in your battery to start the engine. You use jumper cables which connect from one battery to the flat one which allows your battery to use the other as a 'slave'. once the car is started, you let it run for a while. During which time, the battery is re-charged by the alternator. Back in the days of the Model T Ford, before the existence of alternators and battery technology, cars were started using crank handles. These cars didn't have alternators or electrical systems, so there was no battery to charge. In summary, every modern gasoline/petrol and diesel engine needs an alternator to be able to keep the battery charged while driving. ( Full Answer )
What does a car alternator do?
An alternator provides electrical power to your automobile when it is running. It recharges the battery, which allows the engine to be turned on. It also provides electricity to run all the electronic features of your car.
Who invented car alternators?
Hungarian scientist, Elmer Wavering invented the first caralternator. His invention hit the mass markets in the early 20thcentury.
What are legal car horn alternatives?
Most U.S. States Vehicle Codes only specify that a vehicle horn may not exceed the standard 110 decibels, or otherwise emit a harsh, or unreasonably loud sound..
You may NOT equip, or otherwise replace your vehicles horn, with any siren, whistle, bell, or other type of audible warning device that i…s intended for emergency vehicle use only, if in fact your vehicle is NOT an emergency vehicle. (If you're a volunteer firefighter, check with your department for usage regulations.).
I know of people who have substituted their vehicle horn for a boat horn-- that is, one that produces the same volume, but at a much higher pitch than a standard passenger car horn. Provided you don't abuse or "overuse" the horn, I doubt anyone in law enforcement will pay too much attention to your having it..
For your State's Vehicle Code, which would outline the specifics for your own State, run a search in Google. Example: "Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Inspection Code". Or call your local State Police Agency with questions. ( Full Answer )
Can a car start with a bad alternator?
Yes it can as long as the battery is charged . The purpose of the alternator is to put the power used back into the battery.
How do you know if an alternator is bad in a car?
Answer Hey there friend To check if alternator is false or not there is a simple way of doing it without getting to tear entire car and cables apart. Before you do anything loosen the negative cable but so its still connected to batter. Start the vehicle, if cant slave it off and start it, while …vehicle is runing disconnect the negative wire that you have loosened then if vehicle is runing its good if it dies then your alternator went bad and needs replacment. If you need to drive badly because cant get a ride to get to schucks or some auto parts store you can bang the heck out of the alternator with a hammer which will charge the coil inside and will loosen some of the dust that collected there. That should be enough for you to get to store and back. Good luck you can always Private msg me if you have any other Auto Questions. Good Day. ( Full Answer )
How do you fix car alternator?
Answer 1 .
IF you have to ask this question, then the answer has to be, "You can't fix it.!".
Modern alternators are precision electromechanical devices, which require specialized tools, test equipment, and knowledge in order to repair [actually, while opened up, it is best to do a total rebuild…]..
It would be much easier, and probably much less expensive, to simply trade in your old alternator on a remanufactured one..
A word of caution, alternators are expensive, and you should be certain that it is defective BEFORE you replace or attempt to repair it..
I cannot even begin to recall the number of people [including me] who replaced a suspected defective [but perfectly good] alternator only to find out that something else was the cause of the failure to charge problem..
Go to a major chain auto parts store and have your charging system and battery tested [all done simultaneously] usually for FREE . Make sure the alternator is truly defective before replacing or attempting repair. ( Full Answer )
Can a car alternator overcharge?
Not exactly. But the voltage regulator can let too much voltage reach the battery. Check: 1. Using a voltmeter, check batt voltage at rest. Should read +- 12.6 V. 2. Check voltage at idle. Should read +-13.6 V. 3. Increase motor speed. Should not go over 14.5 V (that's the use of a volt. r…eg.). If so, could be a faulty volt. reg. A persistant over 15 V. output will ruin the battery. ( Full Answer )
Can an alternator short burn a car?
Talking from experience (about 2 hours ago) my alternator shorted out and caused the insulation on the wire to heat, and then ignite. As i tried to make my engine bay look all pretty, the plastic hose cover i put on the wires also set on fire. Luckily i was near lots of water and had the bonnet up b…ut if this had of happened when i was moving, or i had the bonnet down - then i think there is serious potential for this type of electrical fault to cause your vehicle to combust. Luckily my fuel line is at the other side of the car. ( Full Answer )
Is there Alternative Gas For Muscle cars?
HI. you can use regular pump gas, as you already know. But people who drag race muscle cars sometimes use stroker engines....which can run on methane...or alchohol.
Can you drive a car when the alternator is broken?
I drove mine today, it was fine while the battery had over 9 or 10 volts, but once the battery died, the car (4WD, mitsu challenger) started driving poorly, and then stopped when I pulled over. Not sure if I did any damage yet. If it is a SI (Spark ignition) engine then you can drive so long as th…e battery has sufficient charge. A CI (Compression ignition) engine does not rely on an electrical ignition and will drive without the alternator or battery. ( Full Answer )
What are some Alternate Car fuels?
biogas (methane produced from decomposing organic matter - pig farms) .
biodiesel (oil made from organic material) .
ethanol (alcohol made from vegetation) .
hydrogen (but it's difficult to store and expensive to produce) .
electricity (but we need more efficient batteries) .
compressed air… (but it uses electricity to compress it) .
pedal power (all the passengers pedalling at once might work) ( Full Answer )
Why does a car damage alternators repetitively?
It could be that the belt and alternator are not aligned properly resulting in uneven pressure on the wheel of the alternator damaging the shaft or bearing. Also, excessive torque on the belt might cause the same problem.
Is a car alternator essential?
The alternator is what powers the electronic systems in a car. This includes the ignition system in a petrol engine, as well as the electronic fuel injection system in both modern petrol, and diesel engines. It also provides power to recharge the battery, so that power is available when the engine i…s not running. The battery is also required to power the electromagnets in an alternator, so that it may generate power. All lighting and accessories depend on the alternator. Although a car might run off the battery alone, it will only do so for a short time, before it goes flat. ( Full Answer )
Will an alternator stop your car from starting?
while i was driving my car shuts off at nite while the lights are on, and i got it started back up and shuts off and comes back on ******************************************************** If you have a bad alternator it can cause starting problems. More likely because you were driving and not ch…arging the battery, while draining it. The alternator re-charges while you drive. When you turned it off & came back the next day there was not enough juice. ( Full Answer )
How do you take the alternator out of a car?
Save the radio codes. Write them down if required..
Disconnect the positive lead of the battery..
Disconnect and mark or take a closeup picture of the leads on the back of the alternator..
Loosen the alternator belt, note the belt routing, and draw a picture if needed..
Slip belt off alternator …pulley and remove mounting bolts on alternator..
Lift alternator out of unit. ( Full Answer )
What is alternative energy in cars?
There are three prominent alternative energies used by the automotive industry: hydrogen power, fossil fuel/electric (hybrid), and electric. While these are the prominent energies being researched and developed, they are not 100% in use or 100% effective and efficient.
What are some alternatives to owning a car?
Biking, walking, bus, carpooling, hitchhiking, roping together a couple of wannabe Madonnas and putting donuts around their arms like floatation devices and floating them down the river of your own bliss, motorcycle, rabbit, horse, dog sled, stealing a car, borrowing a car, renting a car, being cont…ent with where you are, wheelchair(electric or manual), hot air balloon, space dolphin, blimp, click your toes together a few times and repeat a mantra, broom, vacuum cleaner, golf cart, mopeds, taxi cab, sled, skipping, wake up early in the morning and walk beeeaches, and train hopping. ( Full Answer )
How do you measure the voltage on a car alternator?
get a multi meter that reads dc voltage & touch the black (negative -) wire to the negative battery post & the red (positive +) wire to the positive battery post with car running. car off is battery voltage, car on is alternator voltage.
Can an alternator fall out of a car?
Sure, if the bolts come out the alternator can fall out. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ possible but very unlikely if installed correct in the first place
How do you test a cars alternator?
1st you start up the car. Hook up a voltmeter to the battery, and put a load on the battery as the car is running (have the lights on, radio on, high beam on,...) after you put a load on the battery read the voltmeter. if it goes below 12 the alternator is bad. It souldn't be no more than 14 volts. …you can also use the battery gauge but to be 100% sure hook voltmeter to the alternator. ( Full Answer )
What does the alternator do in a cars electrical system?
Function of Automotive Alternator It generates AC [alternating current] electricity which is rectified and converted to 12 volts DC [direct current] for charging the battery and operating electrical devices in the vehicle.
Do new cars still have alternators?
Yes, most definitely. The alternator keeps the battery charged and runs all the electrical s in the vehicle.
Can a car run with a dead alternator?
Yes, but as you will be running "on the battery" only until the charge in the battery is depleted. Keeping all power consumers turned off (like heater/AC fan and lights) and avoiding shutting engine off (cranking with the starter motor consumes more battery power than anything else) will get you fur…ther down the road, as will carrying a fully charged battery to swap in when the one in use gets too low to run the ignition. ( Full Answer )
What are some alternates to a car?
Bike .
Motorbike .
Train .
Tram .
Rollerskates .
Microscooter .
Boat .
Plane
How do you Add a second alternator to car?
You can do this although, Why would you want to? If you need extra power from the alternator then you can buy an alternator that has a higher output. Some cars do not allow you to upgrade to a higher output alternator though (My Mazda Protege5) In this case things get a little more complicated..... …You must customize a mount for the second alternator (I removed my AC pump and put alternator there) This way I did not need another belt etc. Just had to make a custom mounting bracket. Then you will need to wire it up, which would be specific to your application. ( Full Answer )
How many amps is a car alternator?
The amperage of an alternator depends on the size of the car that's on and what all it has to power. A large SUV that is fully loaded (power doors, power locks, power windows, etc) will need a higher amp alternator than a small car without any added electrical options.
Why do cars need alternators?
To keep the battery recharged and to help run all the electronics on the vehicle.
What the heck does an alternator do in a car?
The alternator provides DC power for all the electronics and the engine. It also keeps the battery fully charged.
How do you derive alternating current from car alternator?
The car's alternator is a three phase generating system. Inside the alternator is a three phase full wave diode bridge that changes the AC generated voltage to a DC voltage.
What are the some alternatives to using a car?
You could walk, ride your bike, car pool, take the sub way, or take the bus at the nearest bus stop.
Do alternator your make the car start?
No, your battery supplies power to the starter. However if your alternator is defective then it will not supply power to the battery and the battery will soon be depleted.
Can an alternator cause car to stall?
Not usually. The alternator can fail to charge enough, or even fail to charge at all, but usually the battery would carry the load for a day or two. - The answer is to charge your battery completely, over a 24 hour period then check the alternator with a good meter. First check battery voltage with …engine OFF, this should be 12.1 -12.4 volts. Now start the engine and do the same test, voltage across battery should now be around 13-14.5. If still the same as static test then the alternator is faulty . You may not necessarily have to buy a new alternator, in many cases you can renew the 'diode pack' for much less cash. - -Go to a Starter and Alternator specialist shop for advice on this. ( Full Answer )
Can an alternator charge a car battery?
That is the purpose of an alternator. The keep the battery charged and to run all the electrics on the vehicle. However it is never a good idea to allow the alternator to charge a dead battery. This will put a strain on the alternator and may damage it.
How are alternators linked to the cars battery?
The output lead from your alternator is bolted to the positive lead of the battery at the starter solenoid. The grounds are both to the vehicle body or, in some cars, the ground from the battery is grounded on the alternator bracket.
Why do car alternators burn out?
Exposure to the rough underhood environment combined with time will find something to corrode and cause a failure eventually, too. A high quality alternator can reduce, but not eliminate, that factor. Naturally stressing the alternator with unsually high demand for current causes more electricity …to be generated, which heats the components. When it runs too hot, its pretty much chance which one goes first - the insulation between the wires in the winding, or the rectifier diodes. ( Full Answer )
How do you tell if car alternator is bad?
The battery light will be illuminated on the dashboard and later the battery will go flat as it is not getting charged Garages can check this for you if your battery is frequently getting flat.
How do you know when alternator is gone in my car?
If you question the condition of your alternator, drive to your local auto parts store and they will test the charging system for you at no cost.
Will car start if alternator is dead?
Yes, the battery starts the engine, and as long as the battery is fully charged the engine will start. The battery will loose it's charge if the alternator is defective and not replenishing the charge of the battery but the alternator has nothing to do with starting the engine.
Will a car start if the alternator is going out?
It will start if there is enough charge in the battery to turn the engine over. However if the alternator is weak then the battery will not be charged fully.
When an alternator is bad what happens to your car?
The battery will run down and he engine will stop. You will not be able to start the engine. The alternator keeps the battery fully charged.
How do you know if it is the alternator is out on a car?
Drive to your local auto parts store and have the electrical system checked. You can also check the output of the alternator at the battery with the engine running. You should read 13.5 to 15.5 volts with a digital DC volt meter. If it is less or more than these figures it is defective.
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.
What happens to your car when the alternator goes out?
It'll run solely off the battery for a little while until the battery becomes too depleted. The check engine light will most likely come on, as well. This is, of course, provided the alternator doesn't seize when it goes out. If it does seize, your vehicle will either stall out, or it'll cause the b…elt to snap, which, if you have a serpentine belt, will disable your AC compressor and power steering. ( Full Answer )
How do you start a car without a alternator?
If the battery is sufficiently charged, it'll still start the car. However, it won't run for very long... the battery will be providing electricity for things such as the ECMs, spark plugs, etc., and it'll drain the battery pretty quickly.
How do you fix an alternator in a car?
Unless you have the means to rebuild it yourself, you'll probably just have to replace it.
Why does your car keep blowing alternators?
Can be because of a bad battery, or overloading the charging system with extra accessories (like aftermarket stereos), or jump starting either that car or other cars with that car. If none of the above there may be a short or other electrical problem. Sometimes vehicles just have bad designed altern…ators that don't live long, or the rebuilders don't replace enough of the components to successfully give you a good part. Try a new not rebuilt part if you can and see if that doesn't work better. ( Full Answer )
Why is a generator of a car is called an alternator?
Generators were used in vehicles up to the mid 1960's. They used dc voltage and were slow to replenish batteries. You had to drive approx. 7 miles at 30 mph or faster just to recharge battery to level prior to starting vehicle. Alternators replaced generators in the late 1960's. Alternator use ac vo…ltage to recharge battery and will charge battery at vehicle idle. Much faster and more efficient than the generator. It is not unusual for an alternator to last the life of a vehicle where a generator would require a rebuild or replacement during the life of vehicle. ( Full Answer )