subject: You Must Read This Article Before You Attempt To Have Your An Alternator Repaired [print this page] The alternator has evolved into a very critical component to keep all of your electronics functioning as they should on your vehicle. It is often possible to find a brand new alternator with a warranty for the same or better price than a used alternator, if you go through a distributor.
There are numerous indicators that an alternator is about to fail or has failed, and sometimes these symptoms can be misdiagnosed. Be careful when diagnosing the symptoms described below, which could also point to a bad battery or bad starter.
Diagnosing an Alternator Problem
If a battery is over burdened and begins to lose charge it can place stress on the alternator, which will eventually cause the alternator to fail. When the engine fails to turn over on ignition many people will blame the battery but sometimes the alternator can be a problem.
If the engine fails to turn on ignition have your car checked by a mechanic. If you replace the battery when in fact the alternator is at fault your new battery will quickly die as well
If you have an alternator light on your dashboard it should light up when you start the engine. If it doesnt this could indicate a problem with the alternator
A drive belt which is incorrectly adjusted can prevent the alternator from supplying sufficient charge to the battery, causing the battery to fail. Loss of power when you turn on your headlights or air conditioning can be a symptom of an improperly adjusted drive belt. Your mechanic can test the belt for cracks or fraying to fix this problem
A grinding noise coming from the alternator can indicate an alternator problem
Check the battery voltage and terminal connections when your engine is running using a voltage meter. You should get a reading between 13.5 v and 15 v. A reading lower than this range indicates a potential alternator problem
Alternator Repair
The alternator works on the same basic principles today as when it was first developed however with the advent of high tech electronics it has become a very sophisticated piece of equipment and repairs should only be completed by a qualified technician that has all of the necessary tools and equipment at their fingertips.
The alternator can fail for a number of reasons and a faulty alternator can be indicated through a wide variety of symptoms. If you have experience with mechanics or electronics you may possibly be able to diagnose the problem yourself. However, many times it is a safer bet to take your vehicle to a mechanic who can properly diagnose and fix the problems. Either way, when you replace your alternator you should consider purchasing a new alternator instead of considering alternator repair. If you go through a distributor you will be able to find a new alternator with a warranty for as much as or a better price than a used one.
