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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

Can a car still run if the alternator is dead?

Sorry to say,but no. The alternator is the device that replaces the power that has been used from your battery.Without the alternator, the battery will get drained and not be able to recharge.

Where is the voltage regulator located on a 1995 Mitsubishi montero located?

Modern alternators almost always have their voltage regulator attached to the back of the alternator itself.

Most often it is combined with the brush holder so you could say it's "built in", however that is not strictly true as it is removable without dissasembly of the entire alternator.

Unless I am mistaken the Montero alternator is of this design. You should NOT expect to find an external voltage regulator anywhere on one of these vehicles.

Hope this helped.

How do you replace the alternator on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

the alternator is on top of the engine start by takin off the fan belt and then removing the wires conected to the alternator finally unbold the bolts holding it on and then take it off

What surface is a good place to set a car battery to charge it and store it and after it is charged Ive heard that you should not do it on cement?

Answer 1If the surface may have iron in it, it isn't good for a battery. That is any surface with dirt. If there is any doubt, use wood. It doesn't conduct electricity and won't drain the battery. Do not leave it on a metal surface Answer 2I have heard for some 50 years that leaving a good automotive battery sitting on a concrete slab would eventually ruin it. A few times I have had it happen to me, and for years since, I always store a battery on a wooden shelf or if on the garage floor, on a piece of 2x10 wood which is larger than the battery's "footprint." When I observed this question here, I called a friend [an expert Forensic Chemist] and discussed this issue.

He said that there was no question that leaving a battery sitting on concrete will eventually ruin it. I asked if it had something to do with the "heat sink" effect of the concrete and he said no, that temperature had nothing to do with it. Here is how he explained the phenomenon which damages the battery.

Although the rubber or plastic battery case is liquid tight, and the liquid cannot penetrate it, components of the electrolyte molecules CAN migrate through the case, and penetrate into the concrete. Then, changes in the concrete release compounds which can also migrate upwards through the battery case, into the electrolyte. It is these compounds which contaminate and degrade the electrolyte, and eventually contaminate the lead plates in the battery. He says this is a long, slow process and will not be great enough to damage a battery during a storage period a few weeks or less. Storage periods of a couple of months, while not destroying the battery, will none the less degrade the battery's power output somewhat, and can shorten it's lifespan. Long storage periods, even if the battery is kept charged, will eventually lead to premature failure.

Answer 3Not anymore. Used to be true when battery cases were made from hard rubber, as they were somewhat porous and had a high-carbon content. An electrical current could be conducted through it when placed on a concrete floor, causing a weak short circuit.

But today's batteries cases are ABS plastic and can sit on concrete indefinitely.

Batteries discharge slowly all the time. . . so regardless of where you leave one, if it sits long enough without being recharged, it will go dead.

Batteries are shipped in trucks and stored on shelves made of steel. So if it was a conductivity issue, all new batteries would be ruined.

Where is the alternator to a 2004 Audi A6?

it's on the bottom left side of the engine as you sit in front of the car.as you look between the engine and the radiator you'll see it.

How do you replace an alternator in 2003 a Chevy Cavalier?

Begin by removing the 2003 Chevy Cavalier alternator belt. Remove the wiring from the back of the alternator. Remove the alternator retaining bolts. Reverse the process to install your new alternator.

How do you change an alternator on a 2000 Infiniti G20?

disconnect neg battery cable.remove upper radiator hose and goose neck three bolts attach to engine.remove altenator wires and a/c wire cause it gets in the way.loosen adjustment bolt and remove large four inch bolt from rear of alt.four inch bolt should slide out towards the exhaust manifold.you will need 17mm wrench 10mm 12mm and 14mm sockets and extention.

How do you replace the alternator on a 1995 Nissan Maxima?

When my alternator went on my 95 Maxima GXE, the signs were some dash board lights came on...brake, washer fluid, etc., but apparently it is different for different cars. Luckily, I was able to drive for about 3 hrs on the battery alone. The alternator on this vehicle is EXPENSIVE, but I phoned around and eventually found a rebuilt(yellow pages under ELECTRIC MOTORS), 1 yr warranty for $150 cdn. Not bad when everyone else wanted $225 and up. Out of curiosity, I asked the guy if he would install and he said "sure, $75". Considering how old my car was and the fact that seized up bolts were a really possibility, I let him do it (took him 1-1/2hr...probably would have taken me 5 hrs). So for $225 cdn and 2 hrs later, I was back on the road. (dealer had quoted me $500 and other garages wanted $350). ...

Need to do this from underneath the right side of the car. You will have to unbolt the A/C compressor and move it our of the way. You do not have to disconnect any coolant lines to do this. Takes a while, but you can disconnect the wiring connections and bolts to the alternator. It is heavy and you will be in an awkward position, but take your time. Replacement is reverse of the above.

How do you know if it is the battery or the alternator that has a problem if the battery won't hold a charge and you hear a clicking sound when you try to start a 2002 VW Jetta?

Using a volt meter, check the voltage while the vehicle is not running. If the voltage is below 11 or so, the battery is either not fully charged or is incapable of holding a charge. Jump start the vehicle, (make certain that you do not cross connect the battery. ALWAYS RED TO POSITIVE, BOTH VEHICLES!) and after the vehicle is running, remove the jumper cables and put the meter across the battery again. If you are maintaining anything around 13.5 V, the alternator is probably ok. More complete tests are available at some of the auto parts stores around. Out here it's Auto Zone, Checker Auto or Kragen Auto. If the alternator is holding the voltage at about 13.5 V, run the car for about 15 minutes. Shut it off, let the car sit for a couple minutes then check the battery voltage again. It should not be below 12 V. There is also a possibility that you just have dirty battery terminals. Sometimes the terminals will corrode from the battery acid. To check the terminals, put a volt meter lead on the battery post and another right next to it on the associated terminal, then have someone attempt to start the car. If the voltage is anything other than zero you have a bad connection between the battery terminal and the post. Just take it apart using a battery terminal puller, then thoroughly clean the battery post and terminal using a special brush designed for that use.

AnswerHere's an easier way to tell if it's the alternator or battery. Get a jump and then disconnect the positive side battery cable. If the car continues to run it's more than likely the battery because the battery is mainly used to start the car. The alternator provides all the power to run everything in the car and the car won't stop until you turn it off. It is best to have it checked to be sure. Most parts stores like Autozone, Advance Auto will check it for free.

Can you swap solid rotors for vented rotors on an 86 Volvo 240 DL?

NO!!!.....not unless you changed for old style calipers too.....why would you want to do it?....you would be seriously reducing braking power and safety.....it's not safe or cheap or or clever way to go!!

What size alternator do you need with a 1000watt inverter with a 1999 ford e-150 4.2 liter?

A quality 1000 watt Inverter could be expected to require about 84 amps at 12V. If we figure that the charging system is going to be operating at about 13.8V this figure could drop to about 75 amps (considering conversion inefficiencies). If we then consider that the truck electrical system will require some current just to keep the truck running, say 25 amps, then we'll need an electrical budget of at least 100 amps. So if you plan to use your inverter for a continuous application then you'll need a 100 amp alternator otherwise you'll slowly discharge your battery. If for example you had a smaller 75 amp alternator then you would be draining the difference (25 amps in this case), from your battery. Since most quality automotive starting batteries have an RC (Reserve Capacity), of less than 120 minutes at a 25 amp draw you'd drain your battery in less than 2 hours. Keep in mind that nearly all alternators do not provide full rated amperage at idle. A 100 amp alternator is likely to be pumping out only 75 amps at idle. For a continuous use inverter application I'd play it safe and install at least a 120 amp alternator minimum.

Where is the alternator on a 98 Saturn SC2?

under the power steering pump

on the passenger side near the fire wall (back of engine)

to get it out you will need to get under the car there is a long bold and a short bolt and remember to take the serpentine belt off first!!!

also the connector might be hard to get at but after its un bolted gently pry it up with a screwdriver and pop it out

Where would you find an 97 Nissan altima alternator schematic diagram?

You can find a 97 Nissan Altima alternator schematic diagram in the vehicle's owner's manual. You can also check local auto part stores.

How do you replace alternator belt on a 1996 KIA Sephia when there is another belt in the way?

http://www.kiatechinfo.com/index.asp Register

Then go to "shop"

choose model / year / engine / capacity

click heading on the left

engine electrical system

charging system

alternator

repair procedures

Sephia [FB] > 1996 > Engine > 1.8 DOHC

REMOVAL

1) Reversing the battery connections will the rectifier.

2) The use of high-voltage testers(such as a magger) will damage the rectifier.

3) Remember that battery voltage is always applied to the generator B terminal.

4) Do not ground the L terminal while the engine is runing.

5) Do not start the engine while the connector is disconnected from the L and S terminals.

1. Remove in the order shown in the figure.

2. Inspect all parts and repair or replace as necessary. (Replace generator as one unit; do not disassemble.)

3. Install in the reverse order of removal.

REPLACEMENT

1. Remove the A/C and P/S drive belt, if equipped.

2. Loosen the generator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.

3. Remove the generator belt.

4. Install the new generator belt and adjust it to specification.

5. Tighten all bolts to the specified torque.

Tightening torque :Mounting bolt : 27-38 ft-lb (35-52 N-m)Adjusting bolt : 14-19 ft-lb (19-25 N-m)

6. Install the A/C and P/S drive belt, if equipped, and adjust to specification.

INSTALLATION

1. Install the generator mounting strap and tighten the bolt to specification.

Tightening Torque : 27-38 ft.lb. (37-52N·m)

2. Install the generator and the generator drive belt.

3. Loosely tighten the generator mounting bolts.

4. Adjust the deflection by tightening the adjusting bolt. then tighten the mounting bolts to specification.

Deflection : (at 22lb.{98N})New : 0.22-0.27in. (5.5-7.0mm)Used : 0.24-0.29 in. (6.0-7.5mm)Tightening torque

:Bolt(A) : 27-38 ft.lb. (37-52N·m)Bolt(B) : 14-19 ft.lb. (19-25N·m)

INSPECTION

1. Check the drive belt and pulley for wear, cracks, and fraying. Replace if necessary.

2. Measure the drive belt tension with a tension gauge.

Tension

Drive Belt New Used

Generator 0.31-0.35 lb (8-9N) 0.35-0.39lb (9-10N)

A/C and P/S 0.31-0.35 lb (8-9N) 0.35-0.39 lb (9-10N)

3. Measure the deflection by applying moderate pressure (22lb, [98N]) midway between the puleys.

Adjust if necessary.

Deflection

Drive Belt New Used

Generator 0.31-0.35 lb (8-9N) 0.35-0.39lb (9-10N)

A/C and P/S 0.31-0.35 lb (8-9N) 0.35-0.39 lb (9-10N)

ADJUSTMENT

1. Loosen the generator mounting bolt and adjusting bolt.

2. Deflect the generator to achieve the specified deflection.

3. Tighten all bolts and recheck the tension.

How do you change the alternator on a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?

for clearance raise vehicle on jack stands. disconnect neg batt cable, remove all wires from alternator, remove drive belt, remove adjusting and mounting bolts, then remove alternator from below. install is reverse order of removal. be sure to label wires for easier replacement.

How do you repair an alternator on 98 Mercury Mystique?

1. Put the front of the car on jackstands and dis-connect the negative battery cable.

2. Remove passenger side wheel and lower splash guards. Using low profile 3/8" socket wrench or breaker bar, remove the serpentine belt from the alternator pulley.

3. Dis-connect the passenger side tie rod from the knuckle.

4. remove the driver side wheel.

5. Get 3 or 4 feet of extensions for your 3/8 socket wrench and feed them through the driver side wheel well to the upper bolt of the alternator. Yo may need to secure the socket & extensions on the bolt from up top then get back down to the driver wheel well, but it's worth the few seconds. Remove the upper bolt.

6. From below the car, loosen the lower bolt, but do not remove.

7. There is a small bracket on the alternator between mounting bolts. Remove the 10mm bolt that secures the bracket to the block.

8. From above, pry the upper tab from the mounting bracket.

9. Below the car, hold the alternator while removing the lower bolt.

10. Dis-connect the electrical to the Alternator.

11. Maneuver the alternator out through the passenger side wheel well. Takes a little thinking, but it'll come out.

12. Transfer the small bracket to the new alternator.

13. Feed the alternator in through the passenger side and make electrical connections.

14. Secure the lower alternator tab and hand tighten the lower bolt.

15. Pivot the alternator up. The upper tab may not easily fit into place. Tighten the 10mm bolt in the center bracket to the block. This will press the upper tab into place.

16. Install the upper bolt and hand tighten. Fully tighten the lower bolt now.

17. Use extensions from the driver wheel well to tighten the upper bolt.

Remainder of this project is simple re-assembly. An experienced shade tree mechanic can do this alternator R&R in under an hour after his tools are set out.

How replace alternator regulator 2004 Dodge Intrepid?

The voltage regulator is part of the engine computer. That will have to be replaced by the dealer.

1996 Park ave driving oil presure dropped really low replaced battery oil alternator oil pressure reads 20 now when idle. now it knocks it wont go by 2rpm when the gas is hit. could it be oil pump?

the knocking you hear is the crankshaft bearing as a ressult of being driven with no oil getting to the bearings.. unfortunately you now have a scrap engine in your car

How do you replace alternator on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee?

# Disconnect negative battery cable # Detach the electrical connectors from the alternator # Loosen the alternator adjustment and pivot bolts and detach the drivebelt # Remove the adjustment and pivot bolts and separate the alternator from the engine # If you are replacing the alternator take it with you to auto parts store to get it tested to make sure it needs to be if you havent yet plus get core credit and make sure new alternator looks the same

You need to know wiring diagram for the alternator on a 1989 Chevy Camaro z28?

Try going to http://www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=3791 .

Try going to http://www.automotivetalk.net/showmessages.php?id=3791 .

How do you replace the alternator on a 1996 Chevy S-10 2.2L?

Safety 1st. Engage parking brake and brace wheels. Disconnect the Neg. battery terminal. Label and disconnect the wires to alternator. From below and using the tire tool that came with the truck, release the belt tensioner by inserting the tool into the "slotted" opening and rotating ccw (counter-clock wise). Loosen and remove the alternator hold down bolts. Installation is in reverse order. Note: Partial information from Haynes Repair Manual, Chevrolet S-10 & GMC Sonoma, Haynes Publishing Group, #24071.

: : I just had to do this...not the toughest job I've ever tackled. : Start by removing the fan shroud (I didn't & it just made the task more difficult). Once the shroud is out of the way you'll have much more room to release the tensioner, using a 3/8" rachet, and removing the belt. Remove the top (13mm) bolt on the back (toward the fire wall), then remove the lower (10mm) bolt on the back. Then, while supporting the alternator, remove the front 10mm bolt. Rest the alternator on a frame member to remove the electrical leads...one snaps in and the other requires a 13mm socket. : Sidebar...1/4" rachet drives or "stubby" drives are helpful! : Installation really is the reverse of this! Connect the leads, put the front bolt then the back bolts in, and replace the belt! : Good Luck!!

How do you replace the shocks on a 2001 Lincoln Town Car?

you do mean shocks and not airbags right? well, you change shocks on the rear just like any other car with them but on a Lincoln the best way is to have the car resting all the way down,"with the airbag switch off". place a jack directly on the rearend and raise the vehical a little to release tension off the bolts. it's easier to put them on this way cause when you buy new shocks they are already compressed and its hard to pull or extend a compressed shock.