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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

How do you know is the car alternator is bad?

You can remove it and have a mechanic test if its bad, many auto parts stores will test it for free or for a small fee. If the alternator is completely busted the car will start and quickly sputter and quit very quickly because the battery can't run the car very long before it's completely drained. If you get a jump start the car runs great and once the cables are removed the car quits after a few minutes or less. Best way to be sure, have a mechanic look at it.

- I've found in most situations once the car is started either by jump starting or a new battery is to disconnect one of the battery leads while the engine is running. If the engine stalls/dies immediately on disconnection then it's a sure bet the alternator isn't putting out any power.

Another way is to use a multimeter across the battery terminals when the engine is running and measure the voltage, if the voltage is dropping below 11 volts then it's also a sure sign the alternator isn't working.

I'd says both these options are a lot easier to test then removing the alternator from the car.

How do you replace the alternator on a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

The generator is located above the oil filter and axle shaft.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Remove the 2 bolts from the top of the heat shield on the generator.

3. Remove nut from the upper T-bolt adjustment bracket.

4. Raise vehicle and support.

5. Remove the right front wheel.

6. Remove the accessory drive splash shield.

7. Remove the lower heat shield bolt.

8. Remove the generator heat shield.

9. Unplug the field circuit from the generator.

10. Remove the B+ terminal nut and wire.

11. Loosen the accessory drive belt t-bolt.

12. Remove the pencil strut.

13. Loosen the lower generator pivot bolt.

14. Remove the generator belt, refer to the Cooling section for more information.

15. Remove the axle retaining nut.

16. Remove the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.

17. Remove the 2 bolts for the axle shaft bearing support.

18. Remove the axle shaft assembly. Put a container under the transmission to catch the transmission fluid from the transmission.

19. Remove the generator from the lower mounting bracket and set generator to the side.

20 . Remove the lower mounting bracket for the generator.

21. Remove generator through the axle shaft hole.

How do you Replace alternator on ford mondeo?

how do I remove the alternator off a 2001 mondeo. There seems to be a bolt stopping it?Type your answer here...

How do you remove and reinstall the Alternator on a 2002 Chevy Trail Blazer?

Undo the bolts and take it out. It helps to remove the battery in order to give you some working room as the bottom ones are in a tight spot. We have more info on our enthusiasts forum at

www.trailvoy.com

Your car wont start then you charge battery then it starts but after you shut off wont start again also it dies after runnin for a period of time without drivin is it the alternator or maybe starter?

The problem is not the starter. The battery is either not holding or not receiving enough charge. Problem could be (1) loose alternator beltl (2) loose/corroded battery cable(s); (3) dead cell(s) in the battery; (4) bad alternator.

If Alternator dash light burned out will it prevent the alternator from charging?

no, the light has nothing to do with the alternator working properly, the light is only to warn you that it isn't charging the battery properly.

How much does it cost to fix an alternator on your 1991 Nissan Stanza?

The cost of a Nissan Stanza alternator go from $86.00 to $174.00 depending on where you order and if you order a new alternator or an after market. I got mine for $91.00 and there was not a core charge. However, there is usually a core charge that you pay up front then you are refunded when you send in your old alternator, so you're looking at an additional $40 to %76. Check out O'Reilly Auto Parts (Checkers).

Where is the alternator in a BMW 328i?

at the right of the engine just under the air filter

How much would an alternator cost for a 1995 ford escort?

the part is roughly 150 dollars for a rebuilt one. I picked up a used one from my Pick n Pull Junkyard for $23. You can get one on eBay for about 100.

How can i tell if an rebuilt alternator in a e 150 ford van was installed or is it the old one?

normally a alternator that is from the factory will have motorcraft somewhere on it, if it has been rebuilt it should have a sticker somewhere on it from the shop that rebuilt it

Why is the car dead after not starting for days but it has a new battery?

Multiple possibilities.

Most probably if it does it every time you don't start it for a few days, you have some parasite consumer (a light that does not switch off for example).

Other possibility is that your alternator does not charge enough or the batery, even new, it's faulty.

Is installation of an alternator in a 1988 Honda Civic DX the same a 1989 Honda Civic DX?

Might have slight differences. They are both in the 4th gen or EF class of civic. 88-91.

How do you replace alternator on 2001 Ford Taurus?

It depends on which engine is in the vehicle. There are 2 types, the Vulcan and the Duratec. The Vulcan's alternator is located at the top of the engine on the passenger side. The Duratec's is located under the engine in the passenger side. It helps to also rent a Belt Tensioner Tool to unload the belt. It will also help to remove the Dust covers on the inside of the "wheel well" since you will need to get through this area to get to the stupidly designed placement of the bolts.

1. DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE FROM THE BATTERY FIRST

2. Disconnect the Positive from the battery.

3. Locate your alternator.

4. Unload the belt with the belt tensioner and remove the belt from the alternator pulley.

5. Locate the Alternator Positive Charge Lead

6. Remove the black Dust cap "which is probably rotted away and will become useless" and use a 11MM Socket to remove the lead. (This is only for the ford factory alternator. Sizes may vary) And remove the remote lead.

7. Unbolt the alternator from the vehicle, typically there are 4 bolts holding the alternator in place. (1- 18MM long socket, 1- 13MM, 2- 8MM)

"you will need to have the front end on jack stands because a turning of the steering wheel is definitely needed to remove the alternator 2 turns to the left should do.

8. Bolt the new alternator into place.

9. Attach the Alternator Positive Charge Lead and the Remote Lead

10. Unload the tensioner and replace the belt on the alternator pulley

11. Reconnect the positive lead to the battery

12. Reconnect the negative lead to the battery (IN THIS ORDER!!!!)

13. Start the vehicle and check for any signs of malfunction.

Happy motoring!

What could drain the power from the battery within 24 hrs after installing a new alternator and battery?

Bad starter.. direct ground..... stero equipment IG: amplifier being improperly wired . and it is possible to have the wrong alternator or a faulty one. Bad starter.. direct ground..... stero equipment IG: amplifier being improperly wired . and it is possible to have the wrong alternator or a faulty one.

How do you change the alternator on a Mazda mpv 2001?

I am not sure about the 01 but the 2000 is very time sensitive and requires extensive knowledge in cars to me the best way is if you have a car lift that would work perfect but if you dont you will need to get the car up high enough so you can work in comfort first you need to take the passenger side tire off after that you will have to take off everything connected to the cv axle and drop it out of the way then take out cv axle and move it out of the vehicle careful not to lose any parts and then you can begin to work on the alternator the first time we did this it took us 2 weekends the second time it took a whole day about 9 hours

hope this helps

1984 dodge ram 318 replaced alternator but still dies when you pull the positive cable wirer?

The proper way to check the alternator is to use a voltmeter with everything hooked up. Unhooking the battery with the engine running can cause a voltage spike that will damage any electronics on the vehicle. If the truck isn't charging, test the voltage regulator on the firewall.

In a 1995 F150 if the battery light stays on when the engine idles but goes off at high rpm is the problem the alternator?

pull the negative side of the battery cable off and see if the engine dies. if not then with the negative battery off, have some one turn on every thing in the truck, if it still don't die then its your battery or maybe a regulator problem. i hope this helps, i have done this many times.

"depending on the alternator. some have the regulator built in to them"

"and dealing with the charging system always be careful and take your time"

Your alternator and battery both tested good but the battery is not being charged?

Most likely cable running from stud on top of alternator to battery terminal is corroded or broken.

How do you remove alternator from Mazda mx-6?

When removing the alternator you have to first remove the radiator. Disconnect all hoses leading to the radiator. After disconnecting the alternator and in order to get it out of the engine area, bring it through the area from where you removed the radiator. After installing the new alternator, set the radiator in place and attach all hoses and wires.

it took me about 3 hours

If you just remove A/C compressor (4 bolts), loosen tensioner, and remove belt. Disconnect wires. A/C compressor pulls to the side. Remove front bolt on alt. Loosen rear bolt on alt. Tap or pry alt towards front of car. Alt will come right out of bottom of car. You will need to remove dust shield. Took me 25 mins to change it

Where is the alternator belt at on a Santa Fe?

It is right next to the power steering belt, by the oil filter.

Where is the voltage regulator on a 1988 dodge 250 van V8?

The engine computer also handles the voltage regulator duties. It is on the firewall on a Ram Van.

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