Alternator problems

Alternator problems

Before we talk about various alternator problems, let us first know what an alternator means. It is an

electromechanical device that is designed to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy with the use of a rotating magnetic field. The primary purpose of this device is to produce (AC) alternating current. An alternator is most widely used in automobiles and power stations. In this article, we will confine our attention to problems in car alternators. Another major purpose of the device is to keep the battery of an automobile fully charged by producing a constantly high voltage (regardless whether the car is idle or working).

Now let us proceed to the car alternator problems. Diagnosing these problems can be tricky. The first thing you must do is see to it that the problem really lies in your car’s alternator before you go on to a series of tests. You need to consider the condition of the battery. Check its charge, electrolyte level and corrosion of cables. You have to make sure that the drive belt has the proper tension and the alternator is tightly secured. In between alternator and starter solenoid, there is a fusible ink that needs to be checked if equipped. All the electrical connections must be corrosion- free and tight. After finding out that the sources of problems are the external components or connections, you may proceed with your tests.

Testing is the next step you are to take. Inspect the electrical connections carefully when you test the alternator. Turn off the engine and check the voltage of the battery with the use of a voltmeter. It must read as close as possible to 12.6 volts. Start the engine and keep it idle. You need to have an assistant and ask him to accelerate it up to 2000rpms. This time, your voltmeter must read from 14 to 15 volts. Turning the headlights on will make the voltage drop as of the moment but should increase eventually once more.

In the event that the voltmeter reads above 15 volts in the middle of the test, an issue of overcharging arises. In this case, the problems might lie in alternator, voltage regulator or the electrical connection between the said two components, if there is an external regulator. If you have an internal regulator in the alternator, it is well for you to send your unit for inspection or replacement. If you have an external regulator, you should see to it that the ground connection that runs at the regulator is tight and clean. Then, have the regulator disconnected and the previous test repeated. If the voltage decreases, replace the voltage regulator. Otherwise, you must check the condition of the electrical connection between the alternator and regulator.

Another issue you ought to consider is the undercharging of the battery. Car alternators have the tendency to develop internal problems that lead to failure. The procedure for undercharging is similar to that of the overcharging. Hence, there is one difference to be noted. That is if you have an external regulator, you still would like to inspect the ground connection to assure continuity between the regulator and the battery. For this procedure, unplug the negative battery cable (black). With the use of a multi meter, have the continuity checked between the voltage regulator and ground battery terminal. Use your automobile service manual in following the connections. You can find a wiring diagram in the said manual. In this way, you can be able to trace connection problems which can be the source of alternator problems. Otherwise, the cause of the problem may be the failure of alternator or regulator. Therefore, the only resort you have is to send the unit for replacement.

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