Akrapovic Posted June 8, 2019 Posted June 8, 2019 While the alternator is relatively a simple component, it plays a very critical role in the operation of the vehicle. It essentially converts the mechanical energy of the crankshaft into electricity through induction. This is used to power the car's accessories, which can be from the headlights to the windshield wipers. The alternator keeps the battery fully charged, who is responsible for giving the necessary electricity to start the car. Since the alternator is connected to other critical systems of the vehicle, it can generate some mechanical difficulty and this complicates further the diagnosis of problems in the car. However, by paying attention to the following five signs, it will make it easier for you to know if the fault is in the alternator. 1. Warning light In the instrument panel, in most cars built in the last decade, there is a warning light to indicate if there is a problem with the alternator. In general, it is a battery-shaped light, although others show the designation "ALT" or "GEN" (by alternator or generator). Many people see this signal and think instinctively that they have a problem with the battery, but it really refers to the alternator. The light is connected to a computer, which monitors the output voltage of the alternator. If it is above or below the preset limit, then the board indicator turns on. Once the energy is within the range the signal stays off. One of the first signs that you have a problem with the alternator is when the light comes on for a second and then goes off. Or maybe it only comes on when you activate various car accessories. For example you are driving at night and put the lights, then it starts to rain and you operate the windshield wipers, in that instant the warning light is turned on. When turning off the cleaners, the indicator does it too. Most of the alternators have an energy output between 13 and 14.5 volts, they try to maintain this electricity at a constant level all the time. The more electricity is required by the headlights, windshield wipers, stereo, heated seats, rear defroster and so on, the alternator requires more work to maintain the necessary voltage. If the alternator of your car is not working to its full potential, or if you ask for much of it and do not comply with it, the voltage will rise or fall from its optimum level, then the warning light will come on. 2. Intensity of the lights Being that the alternator supplies the electricity that the car requires, when it begins to lose its potential, it is immediately noticeable in the accessories. You will be able to notice when you drive your unit, that the intensity of the front lights decreases, or at the moment the indicators of the board, just like speedometers or tachometers, simply stop working for no reason. Other parts of the equipment, such as heated seats or power windows, can work very slowly. 3. Sight, Sound and Smell These symptoms are grouped as signals from the senses. They are less conclusive than a warning light; however, these will help you find out if there is something wrong with the alternator: Vista: the mechanics are accustomed to constant complaints from customers related to the alternator, then open the chest to find some missing band, which is circling around the engine block or is loose. A quick review of the alternator belt for cracks, wear and other signs for constant use, may give you some indication of future problems. Likewise, the band must have the proper voltage to operate the alternator correctly; A lot or little tension can affect the performance of it. Sound: usually before an alternator stops operating, a "growling" or "whining" sound is heard. The alternator is driven by a band in conjunction with the crankshaft pulley. The alternator pulley typically rotates two or three times faster than the crankshaft pulley, to produce the necessary energy required by the engine or parts of equipment. The alternator pulley rotates on an axle, which is supported either by bearings or bearings. If the pulley is not aligned with the belt, if the bearings are worn, these can generate the aforementioned noises and are indicators that you may have a problem. Smell: the essence of burned rubber or wires, is often accompanied by a fault in the alternator. A pulley that is not aligned or is not spinning freely, will cause a friction on the belt, which causes it to warm up and then smell of calcined. The carbonized smell of the cables is usually caused by an overheated alternator, which is working too hard to generate electricity. 4. A dead battery A car that does not turn on has a problem in the starting system. When you turn the key, you will hear a click and then a tick but nothing happens. Subsequently, that noise disappears, after several attempts. The immediate problem is usually that the battery is dead, but you will wonder why is it dead? When an alternator begins to fail, the battery begins to lose its power, since the alternator is responsible for keeping it charged. To be able to diagnose if the problem is the dead battery or the alternator, it is relatively easy. Simply when someone passes you current to turn on the vehicle, remove the cables and wait. If the alternator is failing to recharge the battery, the car will stop working. Now if the car is still running, it is very likely that the problem is in the battery. You should have a little caution, since a battery dying may be recharged at the time but it will not last long and in the end it will end, despite the efforts of the alternator. To test a battery can be done with a voltmeter or take it to specialized stores where they can review it. 5. Loose or broken connections. If the battery is dead, like other electrical parts of the unit. It means that the alternator is producing electricity, but it is not getting anywhere or is not the correct amount. The electricity of the alternator is given through large cables or small wires. Any problem within the same or connections of these with other parts, can reduce or stop the energy generated by the alternator. Occasionally, a symptom of this is having very bright lights, this means that the alternator produces more electricity to overcome the resistance of a bad wire, loose or broken connection. Another fault factor could be the rectifier diode. Alternators produce alternating current, but car accessories require direct current to operate. The rectifier changes the AC current to direct current. Without that vital component operating properly, the electricity produced by the alternator can not be used.
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