Alternator
An alternator supplies electricity to all electrical devices on the vehicle and recharges the battery during engine operation.
Alternator
When the electrical power supply system is malfunctioning, it is necessary to examine the alternator for proper operation. The examination includes an inspection of the condition and electrical tests. Often the alternator is removed from the vehicle during the test and repair process. Testing, repairing the alternator, and replacing its parts is done outside the vehicle on a workbench.
The correct operation of the vehicle also depends on the correctness of the power supply system. Timely and professional alternator repair requires knowledge of inspection, testing, and repair procedures with the proper use of appropriate tools and measuring equipment.
Inspection of the condition of the engine drive belt is performed periodically in car workshops. Read more
Alternator noises can come from three sources. According to the type of noise from the alternator, the causes that create that noise can be detected. Read more
Voltage output testing of the alternator is a procedure for checking the operation and condition of the system for charging the battery. Read more
A voltage drop check is performed when an excessive voltage drop between the alternator and the battery is suspected. Read more
Removing the alternator from the vehicle is necessary when a malfunction is found that requires repair or replacement of the alternator. Read more
For examination, repair, and replacement of alternator elements, it is necessary to disassemble them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Read more
Checking and replacing alternator brushes
Checking and replacing the brushes is a regular process after dismantling the alternator or voltage regulator and when there are problems in the charging system. Read more
Slip ring inspection is always performed when disassembling the alternator or when there is a malfunction in the power supply system. Read more
Testing the alternator rotor involves a visual inspection of the condition and an electrical check of the correctness of the rotor windings. Read more
Testing the correctness of the stator winding of the alternator is performed visually and by measuring the resistance. Read more
The test of diodes is reduced to checking their ability to pass current in only one direction. The measurement can be done with a multimeter. Read more
When the alternator’s output voltage is unstable or intermittent, it is necessary to test the voltage regulator. Read more
Alternator bearing replacement
When noises are heard, screeching is often caused by bad bearings, and the alternator bearings need to be replaced. Read more
One of the faster ways to test an alternator is an oscilloscope test. The resulting oscillogram gives us insight into the alternator’s correctness. Read more
Measuring AC at the output of the alternator is a procedure for determining the presence of an alternating component in the DC. Read more
The leakage test determines whether a shorted diode conducts power from the battery to the alternator windings while the engine is off. Read more
Test of ECU-controlled charging system
An ECU-controlled alternator test is carried out on modern vehicles where there is an intelligent power supply control system. Read more
See also
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