A car alternator is used in all modern cars and is usually located near the front of a car engine. Its purpose is to power the electrical system while the engine is running, as well as to charge the car battery.
If you experience problems with your car battery or can’t start the car, there is a good chance that you have a problem with your alternator. You most likely need to have it serviced by a professional mobile mechanic.
At Lube Mobile, our highly-qualified mobile mechanics deliver doorstep vehicle services all across Australia including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.
Our vans are equipped with a full range of tools and branded parts needed to perform almost any repair or replacement. Booking our on-site service will not just save you time but also prevent unnecessary travel to and from the workshop. With our mechanics working at your location, you can see what work is being done on your car.
The service cost and repair cost can differ based on the make and model and also the part which needs to be repaired. At Lube Mobile, the mechanic will show you an itemised quote of the work required and associated costs before commencing work on your vehicle. This will enable you to take control of the cost and help you decide if repairing a part or replacing it altogether will prove a cost-effective move in the long run.
We can also help if you are facing issues with your fan belt, fusible link, globes, headlights, battery, fuse, ignition switch and relay. Book us online and you’ll never have to worry about your car repair or car service.
What is an alternator in a car?
An alternator is a major part of a car’s charging system. There are three different components: an alternator, a voltage regulator, and a battery. The alternator, along with the battery, generates electric power, which is used by parts of the electrical system such as the instrument panel, exterior and interior lights.
While there is often confusion around whether an alternator produces ac or dc, the name alternator comes from the term alternating current.
An alternator typically has a full output rated at 6000 rpm, and won’t generate enough charging voltage until the speed is about 2000 rpm or more.
What does an alternator do?
A car alternator produces electricity and converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). An engine alternator provides sufficient electrical energy to the battery to recharge. It also maintains enough voltage to power the accessories and components of a vehicle.
Each alternator is carefully configured for each car’s electrical system requirements such as the intensity and charging level.
But if problems occur, it can result in the car battery overcharging or undercharging, which are the leading causes of car battery overheating.
Does your alternator charge your battery?
Yes, the car alternator does charge the battery of your car, while it is idling, even with a strenuous load on the car battery.
However, if the amount of charge that the battery receives from the alternator is less than the electrical load of operating the lights, radio, AC etc. then it will lead to a car battery dead over time, which will result in the battery not charging anymore.
What makes an alternator go bad?
There are several different symptoms you will see when a car alternator begins to go bad. When you drive your car, you may notice electrical problems such as dim headlights.
Another sign is a dash light (also known as the battery light due to being shaped like a battery) which will appear. When this light appears, it is to alert the driver to check the charging system or any problems, because the engine alternator is not providing enough charge for the electrical system.
Often when a car battery is undercharged, it is a result of car accessories not being turned off overnight.
When the charging system is functioning correctly, you will see the charge indicator lamp appear when switching on the ignition. It will then go off after you start the car.
If the lamp doesn’t appear with the key turning on, then you need a possible replacement for the bulb or check the warning light circuit.
Other symptoms of a bad alternator can be caused by any of the following parts:
Can you start a car with a bad alternator?
If you have a bad alternator, chances are you may not be able to start your car at the very first place. This is because even if your car engine is running, the faulty car alternator will not be able to charge the battery.
However, it’s still possible to start your car even if you find your car battery dead and have a bad alternator. To do so, you need to start the car by using another vehicle which has a good car battery.
All you will need is a set of jumper cables and to make sure the cars are turned off first.
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Connect the red (positive) cable to the positive terminal for the car with the bad alternator.
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Then
connect the other red jumper cable to the car with the good battery
on the positive terminal.
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Next,
connect the negative (black) cable to the car with the good battery
to the negative terminal.
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Lastly,
connect the other black jumper cable anywhere on the engine of the
car with the bad battery. This will act as a ground.
Important: Never put the black cable on the battery for the car which has to be jump-started.
Next, start the car which has a good battery. Make sure the engine is running for a few minutes. Then start the car with the bad engine alternator. If it doesn’t start, let the car run for a few more minutes before trying again.
When removing the cables, it’s critical to make sure the cables are separated from each other and don’t touch. As the lights won’t last long without a full charge, you should never jump-start your car with a broken alternator and drive it at night.
If you have a problem with your car alternator not charging, you should have a mechanic look at it immediately. Lube Mobile mechanics carry an extensive range of parts so they can fix the problem right away.
Car services can alert you to any mechanical failure that can not only have dangerous consequences, but also reduce your car’s longevity. To ensure that your car is safe on the road it is important that its lubricants, fluids, electronic and mechanical functions are changed, adjusted or checked at regular intervals.
At Lube Mobile, we are dedicated to providing regular car services or car repairs at the location and time of your choice, offering you a safe and hassle-free driving experience.
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