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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 test an alternater?
I do it in two ways. First, I do my own voltage output test using an ordinary Volt-Ohmeter.It can be either analog [dial-type], or a digital meter.
To set up the test, the meter test leads must be plugged into the proper jacks on the meter, the function selector switch [usually a rotary type multi-positon switch] set to the proper test mode [DC Volts], and the proper "range" [usually the 50 Volt scale]. The vehicle engine should be turned OFF, and then place the test lead probes [the "pointed ends] in contact with the battery terminals.
The RED [Positive] test probe should be held on the battery POSITIVE terminal [there will be a + mark, or the word POS embossed in the battery case top, next to the terminal. Also, the positive terminal is slightly larger in diameter than the negative terminal].
The negative meter probe can be touched to either the negative battery terminal or any bare metal part of the engine block or vehicle body.
Observe and record the voltage indicated. Normally for a fully charged battery this voltage should be about 12 to 12 1/2 volts.
Next, while making SURE that the meter and test leads are well clear of any moving parts [radiator fan, belts, turning parts of the alternator, smog air pump, power steering pump, etc.] start the engine and allow it to idle.
Run the test again, observing and recording the voltage. It could range anywhere from what was observed in the first [engine off] test to some higher voltage.
A properly functioning alternator should cause the voltage to read in the range of 13 to 16 or 17 volts. If the idling voltage is low [like 12 or 13 volts], have an assistant/helper gently accelerate the engine above idle speed. If this allows the voltage to increase to 13 to 17 volts [usually 16 is the highest most voltage regulators allow] then the alternator is working.
IF there is no significant increase in voltage between the engine OFF and engine running/accelerated modes, then there is something wrong with your charging system.
This does not necessarily mean that the alternator is no good, as there are several things which can interfere with proper charging.
If my own "home test" does not show the alternator to be putting out voltage, then I take my vehicle to one of the major, chain-type auto parts stores, as they usually have a handheld charging system analyzer and thus can check the entire [not just the alternator] charging system in their parking lot. In our area [southeast Texas] they do not charge for this service. Good luck.
Can a bad battery cause an alternator to burn out?
No a bad batery could not cause the alternator to go bad .only if a big short happened to the battery and melted the cells in to a short inside the batt
What is the purpose of voltage regulators?
Controls output of alternator so battery does not over or undercharge Should control voltage range from (when engine running) 13.8-14.2 volts Without voltage regulator: Voltage could go to 18-24 volts causing electrical components to burn out
What is the role of a Alternator Repairer?
The alternator of a car is responsible for charging the car battery. Someone who repairs a broken alternator ensures that the alternator works again and continues to keep the car battery charged.
How do you replace the alternator on a 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme?
find the tensioner pulley to release the belt. there should be two bolts on the top (one in front, one in rear) and one on the bottom rear ( this one is very tricky to get to).
the pcm is beside the air box mounted on the drivers side fenderwell.it's a black box with a 4inch long plug going into it with a bolt in the center.
How much does it cost to change an alternator on a dodge neon?
New one and job done,around $400.00 us dollars
It sounds like you have a break in the wire which connects your alternator to your battery, get it checked out.
Why will the battery not charge in your 1986 grand marquis with a new alternator?
Battery may have a dead cell and need replacing.
Is there an alternator fuse in 2002 Hyundai xg?
yes there is a fuseable link, but I bet the alternator is bad I have a 2002 and just replaced it what a pain, but if you have some car experience you can do it, . Oh by the way it comes out though the top of the motor, any more questions e-mail me at glipsky@tampabay.rr.com good luck
How do you know when an alternator go out in a 99 ford crown vic?
By " go out " do you mean not charging? If this is the question, and you don't have any tools, find a small volt meter for 12 volt d/c and connect to the the battery. Should read 14.something volts. If not, and is say 12.2 volts or below 13 volts, then change the alt. But of course, if the lites are dim, and the battery is dead or very low, that might be a sign.
How do you change the alternator on a 1999 Chevy Malibu?
Remove the belt from your 1999 Chevy Malibu alternator. Remove the wiring harness from the back of the alternator. Remove the alternator retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install the new alternator.
Which fuse runs the alternator?
Almost every alternator has its output directly connected to the battery or connected by a "fuse link" (which is a high-current fuse that looks like a section of the wire from the alternator to the battery). The alternator is isolated by internal diodes so as not to drain the battery when the engine is off. The alternator is turned on by power which comes in thru the "ALT" warning light. When the engine is started, the alternator has no output, so current flows thru the bulb and into the alternator field (F) winding. When the winding spins it generates voltage which then feeds back to the light and the internal regulator to power the alternator. When the alternator is self-powered, there is power on both sides of the "ALT" light, so it is NOT illuminated. When the alternator stops producing power, the bulb lights up. Note that the "fuse" is whatever fuse is connected to the "ALT" light. If the "ALT" light bulb or the fuse which feeds the start-up power to the light is burned out then the alternator will not power-up. Newer cars with digital dash instruments use a resistor in place of the "ALT" light bulb.
Why wont my 91 geo storm stay charged after replacing alternator?
disconnect the positive lead from the battery with everything off. Then touch it gently to the battery post , if you see a spark there is something drawing current
How to release alternator tension bolt 1988 Chevy Celebrity?
The belt tensioner has a 3/8" square hole near the end of the arm by the idler pulley. Insert the square of either a 3/8" ratchet or breaker bar and simply pull up against the spring. Then using your other hand remove the belt.
How do you replace alternator in 98 Oldsmobile intrigue?
make sure you make a diagram first of your belt before taking it off unplug it from the backside and unbolt it.not sure of the bolt size start with 14,15,16 mm wrenches and go from there .just do everything in reverse to put together
How do you replace a BMW alternator belt?
I know that on the E30's (until 1991) the alternator has a mounting bolt that controls tension on the belt. (1)Just loosen that bolt and the rest is a breeze. (2) Move the alternator in to remove the old belt. (3) Put the new one on. (4) Use a bar or large wrench as a lever to move the alternator out and to put tension on the belt. (5) Hold it there while tightening the mounting bolt. (6) Wash your hands 'cause you're done.
What would cause the battery light to remain lit on a 1992 Acura Vigor?
It is usually caused by a bad alternator.
How do you change the alternator on a Chevy Beretta with a V6?
Very easy. Disconnect the battery. Lift up the belt tensioner and slip the serpentine belt up off the alternator pulley. Remove the 3 bolts holding down the alternator. Unplug the voltage regulator cable from the alternator. Disconnect the positive battery cable from the alternator. Installation is the reverse of removal.
How do you replace an alternator?
Well first off if you have the shield under your car then you will have to remove that, 2 screws under the car, 2 screws and 1 popout clip in the front passenger side wheel well(you have to remove the wheel to get to it). Once you have that off you will be able to see the alternator from under the car. Start at the top under the hood, remove your plastic piece that covers the front of your engine bay, once that is off unplug the connectors to the alternator(one is visible and the other is under a black cap you have to pop off and unscrew), there is also a clip holding the wire to the alternator on the shield piece of it(pointing toward the engine, you will see it, it pops out with a bit of force). Once all connections have been removed you will have to slip your alternator belt off the alternator(if replacing belt as well, which I do recomment you just loosen the tensioner and pull it off of all the pullies) then there is 1 bolt holding the alternator in at the top (tough to get to but what I did was stick my arm down the side with a 10mm and wrap it around in front of the alternator and take it off. Once that is removed go back under the car and there is 1 bolt holding it in that you have to remove before it comes out freely. After that your home free :)
How do you change the alternator on a 2002 Ford Taurus v6 3.0?
Very easy, the Alt is in it's own 'frame at front of engine. Disconnect cables from battery, then release tension on serpentine belt. To do this use a 15 mm box wrench (socket will NOT have room)- I put a 1" metal tube over my box wrench to lengthen it then slip it over the tensioner nut and pull forward, this slackens belt so it will slide off alternator. Rest of belt can remain in place. Now disconnect 3 -4 bolts holding Alt (some cars will have an extra bar holding it to the crank-case) You may have to remove the coolant overflow box in some models, but not all, to remove the longest bolt. When Alt can swing up, or is loose, remove wires from it. Now replace in reverse order. Lowest bolt fits under serpentine so this must be tightened first.
How do i find a short in my wiring that is draining my cars battery?
A short will not drain the battery it will blow a fuse. It may be the battery has a dead cell, or some light is on draining the battery. It can also be a stuck relay.
How do you install the alternator belt on 1997 Nissan Altima?
I just cut my old belt off. Jack car up. Remove small shround that is behind the tire, should be 4-6 screws. Feed the belt down through where it attaches to the alternator. Climb down by the tire and pull the belt through the gap. You may want to get a Chiltons or some type of manual to see the exact placement of the belt. Once you have the new belt properly set you feed it over the alternator and tighten the alternator so that there is about 1/2 inch deflection on the belt when you press on it. Replace shround behind tire. Lower car. You will likely have to tighten the belt within a short period of time due to initila stretching.
