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Alternators
An alternator is an old term for electric generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy producing alternating current. Alternators are mainly used for recharging batteries and to power electrical loads of vehicles.
4,629 Questions
What does battery charge warning mean on Mercedes e320?
Could be the alternator is not charing correctly.
Polarizing or repolarizing a dynamo is a way to wake up generators that may not have been used for a longtime, may have been incorrectly wired up in the past, or are not producing any voltage for some reason. First thing to check is which battery terminal is connected to the frame or chassis of the vehicle. Modern cars & motorcycles have the negative terminal connected to the frame, this is called a negative earth configuration. For models of the 1950s and earlier, the configuration is positive earth. To polarize the dynamo for negative earth, disconnect the positive or live wire from the battery terminal at the same time making sure the negative terminal is connected to the chassis. Disconnect the wires from the D and F terminals of the dynamo and run a wire from the positive terminal of the battery and brush the other end of this wire over the F terminal 2 or 3 times until a blue spark can be seen. The dynamo is now polarized for negative earth. Do the procedure in the other way around to polarize a dynamo for positive earth.
does your bronco have an external voltage regulator if so i would take it and have it checked
How do I change the alternator on a 2006 Ford Focus?
Hi, To change the alernator on a 2006 focus you should bring it to a dealer and complain to them to fix it. If your car is under 60 000km you should not have a problem getting them to pay for it. If that does not work just message me or post on this question and I will get back to you, with the full step by step instructions.
How do you replace the alternator on a 1999 Dodge Stratus?
un-bolt it, take the belt off, and then disconnect the wired connections, then reverse order to put the new on back in.
Where does the wiring harness from the alternator on an 1984 Chevy Celebrity run to?
The wiring harness from a typical alternator has three wires. One is for grounding, one is from the battery, and the other is from the voltage regulator. In a GM alternator however, there may be two wires or only one wire. It depends on whether you have an external voltage regulator or not, and if the alternator simply grounds itself to the bracket it's attached to. The best way to find out is to trace the wires to their sources.
1985 Nissan pickup alternator replaced - positive wiring harness is melting Why?
If it is melting over a period of time, try replacing the connector on the wire at the back of the alternator, or replace the wire and connectors. A little more info would be nice!!!
How do you replace the alternator on a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird?
REPLACING THE ALTERNATOR ON THIS MODEL IS VERY EASY. TO START DISCONNECT THE BATTERY COMPLETLY. NEXT, REMOVE THE DRIVE BELT SIMPLY BY PRESSING DOWN ON THE TENSIONER. THERE ARE 3 NUTS AND 1 BOLT HOLDING THE ALTERNATOR DOWN. 2 NUTS BOLTING IT DOWN TO THE HEAD BOLTS, 1 NUT BOLTING IT DOWN TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND 1 BOLT CONNECTING IT TO THE POWER STEARING BRACKET. TAKE ALL 4 OUT. REMOVE THE 2 WIRES FROM THE ALTERNATOR. DONT LET THE POWER TOUCH METAL OR (*SPARKS*). NEXT TASK IS TO REMOVE ANY BRACKETRY FROM OLD ALTERNATOR. AFTER PURCHASING A NEW ALTERNATOR (WHICH I WOULD SUGGEST) BOLT BACK ON THE BRACKETRY THAT YOU TOOK OFF OF THE OLD ONE. THERE WILL BE A PIVOT BOLT ON THE ALTERNATOR THAT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO GET OFF. WHEN YOU PUT THIS BOLT BACK INTO THE NEW ALTERNATOR LEAVE IT LOOSE AS THIS WILL BE A WAY OF ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF ALTERNATOR. PUT ALTERNATOR BACK IN AS IT WAS TAKEN OUT. CONNECT THE 2 WIRES BACK IN. ADJUST AS NEED (WITH THE PIVOT BOLT). PUT ALL NUTS AND BOLTS BACK IN. PUT DRIVE BELT BACK ON ROUTING IT PROPERLY. MAKE SURE IT IS NICE AND SNUG. PUT BATTERY BACK IN AND START HER UP! GOOD LUCK.
How do you replace alternator on 1997 Jeep Wrangler?
Disconnect Negative battery cable- remove the accessory drive belt by loosening belt tensioner located on lower right side of engine -remove wiring harness connectors-remove alternator mounting bolts then remove alternator-installation is reverse of removal-takes about 45 minutes.
How do you test voltage regulator on a Harley Sportster?
Usually the voltage supplied to your battery when the engine is running is about 13.5-14 volts max. If the output is higher or lower than 12 volts, then the regulator could be faulty. hope this helps
How do you change an alternator on a 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo z3.4?
changing that alternator isn't an easy task by any means. You obviously, disconnect the battery. release the tension on the serp belt and remove it from the alt pulley, Unbolt the alt (which is located in the rear of the engine near the firewall), disconnect the wiring, remove the right front wheel, remove the axle shaft by taking the axle nut off taking the cotter key out of the lover balljoint, remove the balljoint nut, break the ball joint free using a balljoint fork, then prying down on the lower 'a' arm and puling the spindle, strut assembly off of it. push the axle out of the wheelbering and using a flat bar pop the axle from the transmission. remove the inner splash shields, loosen the cradle bolts on the right side and weasel the alt from the side where the axle goes. this job pays about 5 to 6 hours. and is usually worth paying a shop to do so that they warranty the work and by all means don't skimp on the part... you don't want to do it twice to save 20 bucks.
Would a faulty alternator or electrical system cause a car battery to explode?
Yes, If the system is over charging because the regulator is bad in the alternator. Other things will cause problems as well. Bad grounds, corrosion, loose connections, name a few. get the system tested and get it fixed. Solve the problem now before it becomes something worse.
How do you remove 94 Ford Ranger alternator pulley?
Use an impact wrench to remove center bolt and pulley should slide off
How do you tighten an alternator belt on a 2003 murano?
All you do is look for the tension pulley and tighten it, see below
How do you change the alternator on a 2002 Mitsubishi diamante?
how replace alternator on 2002 mitsubishi diamante
How do you diagnose bad alternator?
Start the truck then disconnect the battery if it's still running the alternator is good
Does your 50 hp mercury have an alternator?
most merc 50hp with efi and electric start have a 18amp alternator. This from mid 90's to now
What are signs of an alternator going bad on 2001 Saturn sl1?
noisy bearings would be the most readily observable sign that an alternator is failing. A noisy bearing will translate into extra heat, which will cause the diodes to fail.
Beyond that, look for low output (dimming lights) or perhaps excessive static through the radio. Some static can be caused by other sources, so you'll need to have the charging system checked to be sure, and if the lights only dim a little while the engine is at an idle, it may be more of a battery issue than a failing alternator.
Diodes can fail at any time, making an alternator useless, but they don't generally give much warning. Brushes can wear, and they too don't generally offer much warning. Windings can fail, but that is generally the result of some other problem, and the solid state regulator is just like any other transistorized device; it can fail from heat or just plain age, but it doesn't give a warning either.
Other than their size and the way they mount to the vehicle, alternators are pretty much the same for all vehicles.
Always test parts thoroughly before just replacing something.
How can you tell a 105 amp from a 130 amp alternator in a 2002 Tahoe?
Look at the back of the alternator, particularly the black plastic cover on the back. The black plastic cover on a 105 amp alternator will have a small opening divided into three parts. The 130 amp alternator will have multiple openings.
How do you know if you have a bad car battery or alternator?
Some will tell you to disconnect either the positive cable with the car running to troubleshoot the problem and determine if it is the battery or alternator. This is very poor advice that could damage your vehicle. Never disconnect the battery cables while the vehicle is running for the following reasons:
- you should never disconnect the battery with the engine running because the sudden change in voltage could damage your car's ECU (electronic control unit) or its EMU (engine management unit).
- disconnecting either the positive or the negative wire from the battery whilst the engine is running tells you nothing about the battery: the battery could be bad or good. The engine will stay running with a bad battery disconnected as a good alternator will supply the power to keep it running.
The best advice is to start by measuring the voltage of the battery with the engine off. If you measure a low voltage - less than 12 volts - then it is pretty easy to understand that this will not start the car. At this point, you could charge the battery, remove the battery and have it tested (which is free at a car parts store) and if necessary replace it by a good one.
Your car's volt gauge should read about 14 volts with the engine running. It should read at least 12 volts with the engine off. Auto parts stores have testers for batteries.
These simulate the load of the starter on the battery and measure whether the battery has enough juice in it. The machine can also test the alternator while it's on the car to determine if it is charging when the engine is running.
Also there is a quick and dirty test you can do with a multimeter (Note: these are pretty inexpensive and are very useful in other DIY projects involving any electricity.) . Set it to the "Volts DC" scale. With the engine running, touch the red probe of the meter to the positive "+" post and touch the black probe to the negative "-" post of the battery. It should read 13.5 to 14.5 volts. If it is less, the alternator may not be charging.
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You need to hook it up to a battery charger for several hours at 3 or 5 amp slow charge- then bring it to a battery store or maybe a kragen or pep boys auto store and they load test it for free.
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How old the battery is generally your first clue. Most only last about 5 years. Second, are you in hot or cold climate? Cold weather drains a battery so the cold cranking amps on it have to be high enough to allow cranking of the battery in really cold wheather.
Age of the battery can reduce the power of the amps needed. Heat in really hot climate can also kill a battery over the years. If you can take it to a auto parts store they can put it on a machine to check to see if the battery is fully dead or is still good. If it is still good and just has a low charge, they can fully recharge it. If it is still in the car and you want to check it without going to the store, try to crank the car. If it drags a little and you are not in a cold climate it just may just need a boost (If in a cold winter climate it probably needs recharging).
You can boost with another car and cables or buy the instant boost sets they have out now (no other car needed and they work great). If it cranks with a loud turnover noise and the car just doesn't start it could be another problem. You also need to remember that the alternator is the equipment that charges your battery. If your alternator is bad the battery will just drain like a flashlight battery until it is dead. The alternator keeps your battery recharged as your car uses it while the engine is running. Just hope its the battery because an alternator is much more expensive.
For more information see the answer to the Related Question shown below.
Do you have to charge your battery after you replace your alternator?
Yes, if the voltage level is too low to start the car.
Why does the alternator make a clicking noise?
What you are hearing is the clutch on the air conditioning pump engaging... the alternator doesn't make any noise unless the bearings are going bad and then a grinding noise will be heard.
12 volt is what you need. You can use either a 136 or 140 amp, makes no real difference.
