 Fix Alternator: How To Test & Replace Your Car's Alternator
Posted by carsandtrucks on Friday, March 13 @ 13:25:52 PDT
If the alternator on your automobile fails, the battery can not hold a state of charge; this results in a vehicle that will not start. Your alternator is driven by the mechanical force of the engine. The alternator converts that mechanical power into electrical power and puts it into the battery for storage. Most often when an alternator fails, there will be a warning light on the dash that will come on to alert you of the failure. However, in some cases the alternator output has decreased to a point where the battery won't charge but the warning light is not illuminated. If you find that you have to
jump start your vehicle and the battery test okay, then you will want to test the alternator output. This is a simple do it yourself test that can be accomplished with a volt meter. Volt meters can be purchased at parts stores for around $20.00. If you are a do it yourselfer, this is one tool that you should have in your tool box because you will find a lot of uses for it. First, turn off all the accessories, start the engine, put the red probe from the voltmeter on the positive post of the battery (that's the red one) and the black probe on the negative post. A good alternator will have an output of 14-14.7 volts. If the reading on the volt meter is less then 14 volts you probably have and alternator on the way out. Before you dive into replacing the alternator there are a couple of things you should check. First race the engine, is there a belt squeal. If yes, then the problem may be that the belt is slipping resulting in the alternator not being given enough mechanical power from the engine. Secondly, check the battery and alternator connections. If they are not clean and tight, then the alternator can not efficiently convert mechanical power to electric power. Most alternator swaps can be accomplished by the do it yourselfer. Access to the alternator is generally easy, although some manufacturers think hiding it behind emission pumps, power steering pumps, ac compressors and the like is a prudent thing to do. Just make sure you feel comfortable dealing with anything that may restrict your access before you begin the repair. Don't buy the cheapest alternator on the market or chances are you will be replacing it again real soon. Alternators are remanufactured so shop for one that has a reasonable warranty in case of failure. I would recommend finding an alternator with at least a 12 month warranty.
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