Car Alternator: Everything you need to know
The alternator is the most important component of a vehicle’s electrical system. Powered to the battery, it can bring you some headaches if you run out of battery In this article we will explain what an alternator is for, what the indicator symptoms broken one and how to solve problems.
What is the alternator function?
The a alternator is the component that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy.
This transformation is done by magnetic induction thanks to the rotation of the combustion engine. The result of magnetic induction will be driven to the vehicle’s auto battery so that it is always charged.
Once stored in the battery, energy is driven to other electrical components such as air conditioning, electric windows, headlights and parking sensors, ensuring its proper functioning.
What’s an alternator for?
The alternator charges the battery and powers all power-consuming components. While the vehicle is in operation, it transmits the energy directly to these components while rectifying the electric current.
Being components of the same system with similar functions, battery and alternator problems are often confused, and it becomes difficult to distinguish them.
What are the symptoms of a faulty alternator?
The symptoms of a faulty alternator are:
- Not being able to start the car.
- discharged battery.
- Noises in the distribution chain;
- battery check lights on the instrument panel;
- Weaker indoor and outdoor lights.
- Slower glasses operation
- Air conditioning doesn’t work.
Diagnosing a faulty alternator can avoid more serious problems. Therefore, avoid ignoring the signals and solve the problem while it is possible.
The car alternator has several components and any of them may be the source of the problem. To know how to solve the problem you must first know its composition.
How is the alternator constituted?
The alternator consists of 8 components:
- Structure: Protects all internal components of the alternator.
- Stator: Circular component made of iron alloys with grooves around it.
- Rotor: It is a bobine with two claw-shaped poles and a steel shaft. When the current enters through the bobine, the poles generate amagnetic field.
- Collector rings: Drive the electric current from the battery to the rotor blade.
- Alternator brushes: Similar to engine starter brushes, they are disposable and made in coal alloys.
- Diode plates: These plates act as a voltage rectifier and protect the alternator from possible battery voltage spikes.
- Alternator pulley: Connected to the motor block camo by the distribution belt, rotates according to engine revolutions.
- Cooling propeller: IT Is responsible for cooling the alternator and works with the alternator rotor movement.
What are the problematic components?
Now that you’re familiar with it, you know which components can give you problems. Here are the main problems that may arise:
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Damaged Stator
A discharged battery requires a alternator greater effort to recharge it. When subjected to this type of pressure, it can be easily demaged.
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Brush Wear
As the engine starter, the alternator brushes wear out over time. It should be noted that they can be easily replaced.
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Alternator pulley noises
If the vehicle has problems with crankshaft pulley, they may spread to the alternator pulley.
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Diode grinding table
The diode grinding table may burn when the battery charge is incorrectly given. This happens when the vehicle has the battery discharged and tries to charge through another vehicle with cables in poor condition.
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Voltage regulator
When there is a malfunction in the voltage regulator, the alternator sends a charge of more than 15 volts to the battery causing an overload throughout the electrical system.
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Damaged alternator belt
As all wear parts, the alternator belt is a component that requires replacement. If this replacement is not made, you can damage the alternator.
How to solve an alternator problem?
To solve any of the problems mentioned above, you must go to your mechanic A specialized mechanic is familiar with these types of problems and can solve them promptly.
If this is a problem with the alternator pulley, we have two keys sets to remove it available on our website: the 22-piece game and the 30-piece set.
What is the price of an alternator?
The price of a new alternator is around 150 euros. Please note that the price varies depending on the vehicle in question.
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