0
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
Your battery won't stay charged after checking alternator and wires and you have a new battery why?
You probably have a battery drain from a defect. circuit. Just put a test light between the ground of the battery and the ground cable. If you have a drain problem, the light will go on. Then you remove the fuses one by one until the light goes out to isolate the circuit. A electrical wiring diagram will be appreciated.
AnswerParasitic Draw It sounds like you have an excessive "Parasitic draw" problem. It is called parasitic because when the car is not running, certain components feed off the battery, such as the computer, clock etc. When other components like a dome light is left on, it will take more energy then the battery can supply in a short time draining the battery. If you are sure that everything is off, including hood light, dome light, glove box light, trunk light, then your best to take it into an independent repair shop and have them troubleshoot it. Pukenstein@aol.com
answerThe battery that is with the car when new is no good. I replaced mine with another brand ,Kirkland, and it's been OK since. Also the 80 amp alternator needs to be replaced with a 90-100 amp because of the accessories on the car.
How much voltage does an alternator put out?
With a properly operating alternator, AND electrical system, a voltage output range of 13.5 Volts to 16 Volts is considered acceptable.
Just the alternator puts out around 120 vac, but most newer alternators include a built in rectifier that limits voltage output to between 13.5 and 15.5 volts DC depending on speed.
Your alt light is on but battery is charging?
Does alt. light stay on after car is shut off? If so could be voltage regulator is defective and overcharging battery when running Does light stay on after car is shut off? If so could be a bad voltage regulator--if so may be overcharging battery Check voltage readings at battery should be around 14.2 with car running -- if much higher than this voltage regulator is bad.
Where is the alternator located on a 2001 Kia Spectra?
below the power steering pump, on the left-front of the engine. power stering pump is next to the where you check the motor oil, both have belts wrapped around them
What is causing a battery drain with the key in the on position and no accessories on?
The key being in the "on" position itself. As for rapid battery drain, you could have a bad battery or there could be a loose connector.
Source: Personal experience
Where is the alternator on a 1990 300zx located?
It appears the alternator is low on the front of the engine on the passenger side. This link is how one guy replaced his. Truthfully, if you're asking where the alternator is, you probably shouldn't be attempting to do anything with it. I strongly suggest you search for the factory service manual for the correct year and buy it. They usually have reasonably good step by step instructions, and are invaluable for repairing your car.
Good luck!
http://300zx.tombeauchamp.com/04_11_01_maxima_alternator.shtml
Jeff
Depending on where you live, you MAY be able to find a local auto parts retailer that has the ability to test your alternator. They generally test the entire charging system and do not charge for the service since they're trying to get you to buy parts from them. You're right to not trust the dealer, their mechanics are paid partially by commission and tend to want to replace as many parts as they can.
There are too many variables here to give a direct answer, but i would start by making sure the battery is not bad. After that you would use a volt meter to see if the Alternator is supplying 14V or more. If it is not then you need to find out why which is where things get involved.
How much to fix a bad alternator?
This is a trick question, so here is my answer.
A rebuild kit can be purchased for many (but not all) alternators. Also rebuild services are available for pretty much any alternator.
HOWEVER, by the time you send it off, pay for the rebuild and kit and wait for it to come back, you could have bought a new or re-manufactured unit. Also new and re-manufactured units come with a warranty, while paying for the service often does not include a warranty.
If you go the DIY route you'd have to buy tools and spend time with it, providing you even have the skills to do the work.
Short answer, just get a re-manufactured unit from a parts store or Amazon or whatever, you'll spend the same money, save yourself frustration and have a better product.
When should the alternator be replaced in my 2002 Honda crv with 80000 miles on it?
Unless you have indications that it is causing you problems, DON'T replace it. There is no certain timeframe for the replacement of this part, My CR-V is two years older than yours and is approaching 100K and still has all the original engine accessories.
How do you change the alternator in a 1997 Chrysler Town and Country 3.8L?
you have to remove the wipers and cowel panel from ffire wall to reach it
Make sure battery is fully charged Seized engine? Loose or corroded battery cables? Bad ground cable? Bad starter? Bad starter solenoid? Carefully jump across small trigger wire and starter feed Bad neutral safety switch? Bad ignition switch?
How do you replace alternator on 1986 Nissan 300 zx 3.0 liter 2 2?
Loosen the tension on the belts, unbolt the old one, bolt in the new one, and retighten the belts.
How do you put back alternator on 88 Nissan hardbody D21?
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
On some models, the alternator is mounted very low on the engine. On these models, it may be necessary to remove the gravel shield and work from beneath the truck in order to gain access to the alternator.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove the alternator pivot bolt. Push the alternator in and remove the drive belt.
- Pull back the rubber boots and disconnect the wiring from the back of the alternator.
- Remove the alternator mounting bolt and then withdraw the alternator from its bracket.
To install:
- Position the alternator in its mounting bracket and lightly tighten the mounting and adjusting bolts.
- Connect the electrical leads at the rear of the alternator.
- Adjust the belt tension as detailed in http://wiki.answers.com/8585CH01_1.xml.
How do you remove a 2003 ford focus ZX5 alternator?
remove the passenger side motormount, and eater reservoir. jack up the engine and pull out from the top of engine. you will need to get under the car to get to the back bolts...
How do you replace the alternator on a 2000 Ford EXCURSION?
It is basically 5 bolts (10 mm) and a 3/4" breaker bar to relieve the belt tension.
Use breaker bar to remove the serpentine belt. at the end of the belt tensioner, there is a hole for the 3/4" to fit in. rotate clockwise.
Once belt is removed, remove two bolts in the 5 and 7 oclock position. The other three are on the back of alternator. Then disconnect wires from back of alternator.
Reverse process for installation.
It's that easy.
Where is the fuse panel located on a 1989 Buick Park Avenue?
In my '91 PA the panel is just above the driver's left ankle (when he's in 'driving' postion). There is another bank of heavy duty fuses (30 & 40 amp - and relays) in the engine compartment just below the passenger-side windshield wiper.
How do you replace Alternator in an Oldsmobile Ciera?
first you need to remove the serpentine belt. best way to do this is to use a serpentine belt tool. then its actually very simple, there are three bolts that hold it in one up front, and two in the back, and then there is a plug on the bottom you have to unclip.
How do you charge a battery on a 2004 Suzuki Savage LS650?
I have a 95 Suzuki Savage LS650. To charge the battery, you need a "trickle charger". The settings you use and the amount of time you need to charge it for are in the instructions that come with the charger. It will probably take about 8 hours to charge it. Oh, and the battery will need to be out of the bike.
They do make faster chargers, but the trickle charger will give you the best charge and you won't risk damaging the battery.
Then to keep it charged when the bike isn't in use, I keep a "float charger" attached to it while it's installed in the bike. It's a small device that just adds a little juice as it's needed.
Good luck and have a safe summer!
TAKE CARE with a trickle charger as a battery of that type and size will most often be over loaded by a constant charge rate of 2AMPS which is most trickle types. A "Float Mode" charger such as the Schumacher Battery Companion has a max charge rate of 1.5Amps and a peak charge voltage of about 16vdc which prevents heat build up and the high voltage is good for the battery internals without cooking your battery. You can charge the battery from a dead state with one of these and if you forget about it the charger cycles off when the voltage peaks so you don't boil your battery. The relationship between charge amps vs volts and the health of your battery internals is huge which I have not gone into here.
That is the charging system warning light. If it stays on or flickers it means the alternator is not outputting enough voltage to keep the battery charged. With a digital volt meter you should read from 13.5 to 15.5 volts at the battery with the engine running. If not the alternator or the voltage regulator is defective. The voltage regulator is more than likely built into the alternator.
