Batteries and alternators are the backbone of your vehicle’s electrical system. Vehicle alternators produce electricity from mechanical rotational energy, which is then stored in your battery. It also supplies additional electricity to the vehicle’s accessories as needed. If you are looking for alternator repair St. Louis MO, give us a call at 314-849-2900.
Car Alternator Components
The alternator is comprised of several components, the main ones are the rotor (the rotating magnetic field), stator (the armature) and the bridge rectifier. The rotor combines mechanical rotation with electrical field wires, beginning the process of generating electricity. The car alternator rectifier converts the AC current to DC current to run modern electronics in your car. There are many other components and here is more information about car alternator specifications.
Car Alternator Troubleshooting
Symptoms of Alternator Failure
- The Alternator Light on Your Dashboard is On: If your check alternator light is on, then you should see a specialist right away before more symptoms start to occur.
- Your Headlights Keep Flickering: In addition to charging the battery, the alternator powers the headlights. If you have a failing alternator it is likely that your headlight will start to lose power. They may flicker or go very dim.
- Your Car Stops Running: Your car needs electricity to run in addition to gasoline. Electricity creates the spark that ignites your gasoline and creates power to your engine. The alternator and battery supply electrical charge to your spark plugs. So, if your alternator is failing, your car might stall or have difficulty starting.
- Your Car Electrics Are Not Working: When your alternator goes bad, other electronics in your car might malfunction, too. These include your dashboard lights, radios, windows, etc.
- There is a Car Alternator Bearing Noise: The bearing in your engine might break, which would cause a rattling or growling noise. Of course, if you hear any kind of strange noises from your car you should have a specialist perform a diagnostic.
- Your Car Battery Dies: This would be the most obvious. Your battery will eventually die as your alternator fails to charge it. When replacing a dead battery, you should definitely have your alternator checked as well.
Symptoms that Your Car Alternator is Overcharging
- The Car Battery Voltage Gauge Reading is High: You notice a high voltage reading on your cars vehicle’s dashboard. Normally there is a high reading for the ignition voltage, and then it settles around 13 or 14 volts. If the voltage reading is 15 volts or higher, get your vehicle checked.
- The Car Battery Gets Hot When Charging: If your car battery gets hot while charging, this means that overcharging is causing excess electrical charge to be radiated as heat. This also causes electrolytes from the battery to evaporate, causing low battery electrolyte levels.
- Your Headlights Burn Out Quickly: An overcharging alternator can cause your headlights to burn out quickly, either together or one-by-one. If your headlights blow out prematurely, have your alternator checked.
- Your Car Battery is Bulging on Sides: The build-up of hydrogen gas from an overcharging alternator causes your battery to swell. This also causes the battery to leak highly flammable liquid electrolyte, which is very dangerous. Please see a specialist right away if you notice this happening.
Alternator Lifespan
Your car alternator lifespan can shorten due to corrosion on battery terminals or on battery cable ends, which causes you alternator to work harder.
At Sant Automotive, we insist on using only high quality parts. The alternator brands that we use most often are AC Delco, Motorcraft, and Denso. AC Delco and Motorcraft are original equipment in Ford and General Motors vehicles, and Denso alternators are common in a variety of Asian vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an alternator to put out too much voltage?
The alternator overcharges due to a faulty or malfunctioning voltage regulator or transistor. This condition triggers several symptoms including, but not limited to, flickering lights, activation of a battery dashboard warning light, decreased lifespan of light bulbs, fused blown, and relays, along with a swollen battery.
What can burn out an alternator?
An alternator can burn out due to several factors including car accidents, overheating, and loose wiring. However, the most common causes are overcharging and defective parts. Overcharging occurs when the alternator provides too much voltage to the car battery, resulting in damage and subsequent failure. Defective parts, whether in the alternator itself or associated systems like the drive belt or voltage regulator, can also cause the alternator to burn out.
Is it worth it to fix an alternator?
Fixing an alternator can be a worthwhile decision due to its cost-effectiveness. It eliminates the need to purchase and install a new alternator, thereby saving money. Furthermore, a successful repair can extend the lifespan of the existing alternator, providing a long-term solution and reliability.
How to fix an overcharged battery?
An overcharged battery, especially one that has suffered significant damage, typically must be replaced. Furthermore, depending on the underlying cause of overcharging, additional components might also require replacement.
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