How to check a car alternator in 6 easy steps
It is the generator that is the main source of energy. If it is out of order, the car will not be able to drive for a long time on the battery alone. Visit this link to gain more ideas: bad battery or alternator
The generator is responsible for the correct operation of all electrical systems in the car. It is he who is the main source of energy. If the generator is out of order, the car will not be able to drive for a long time on the battery alone.
Most car enthusiasts do not pay due attention to this essential element of the car. However, it is very important to monitor its condition and correct operation. After all, if something goes wrong, not only the generator itself can suffer, but also those systems that are associated with it.
It will not be difficult and time-consuming to check the generator's performance. And most importantly, it will help to diagnose possible malfunctions in time and prevent serious breakdowns that can hit the wallet. For the simplest test, you will need a regular multimeter, which can be purchased at most specialty stores.
But it's worth starting all the same by checking the tension of the alternator belt and the condition of the bearings. The generator during operation should not emit extraneous sounds and be very hot. If it gives off an intense fever, this is cause for concern.
If all is well, you can start measuring. Using a voltmeter, you need to measure the voltage on the battery while the engine is idling. It should be in the range of 12.5 - 12.8 V. The second stage of the test involves measuring the voltage at about 2,000 rpm. If the measurements showed approximately 13.5 - 14.5 V, then you can not worry - the generator is in order.
If the discrepancies are large, then you will have to start a thorough check of the various elements of the generator. It is possible that due to a malfunction or wear of one of the elements, the entire system is not working properly.
A complete generator check is carried out in several stages. You will have to look at the voltage regulator, diode bridge, generator brushes and rings, rotor and stator. Immediately, we note that a multimeter is required for a complete check.
The voltage regulator test is usually carried out when the battery is insufficiently charged or "overcharged". Of course, you need to measure the voltage and do it under load, that is, at rpm. The procedure is carried out at 2,000 rpm and higher. The display should show approximately 14.4 - 15 V. When checking the regulator, it will not be superfluous to check the capacitor for resistance at the same time. It must strive towards infinity.
The brushes and rings will have to be inspected with the voltage regulator removed. Brushes have their own wear rate, as, for example, the tread on tires. The minimum permissible brush height is 4.5 mm. It's the same with rings - at least 12.8 mm in diameter.
To check the diode bridge, you need to switch the multimeter to ohmmeter mode - we will measure the resistance. The bridge consists of two plates, so we will investigate in turn. We cling one probe to the "positive" terminal, and the second - alternately to the output of each diode. Then we swap the probes in places and do the same procedure. Conductivity should be in only one direction, so in the first case, the resistance should be large, and in the second, not.
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