What happens if the alternator overcharges the battery?
This causes the alternator to overcharge the battery, which in turn can ruin the components that use electricity. Also the sulfuric acid battery fluid vaporizes at a faster rate when too much current is being supplied. If the battery cells are allowed to empty, the dry plates will deteriorate and the battery will die.
What should my charger voltage be when the engine is off?
Get a good-quality voltmeter or multimeter and test your battery’s state of charge. The voltmeter should read around 12.6 volts with the engine off and 14-15 volts when the engine is running. If voltage is below 13.5, there’s a good chance the alternator is not keeping up with your battery’s charging needs.
What should the key off drain be on a late model car?
As a rule, the key-off current drain on most late-model vehicles should be less than 50 milliamps (mA). If a draw is depleting a battery, it can mean extra stress on the alternator and charging system. But on some vehicles, it might be normal to have ev
What causes an alternator to overcharge 15 volts?
If one of the contact switches has stuck, it can produce an overcharge rate, typically 15 volts or more. The older type of fender-mounted regulator and a newer alternator that has the regulator inside of it will show the same types of overcharging symptoms. Newer alternators have computer controlled regulating devices.
What should I do if my Alt is overcharging?
Check your YP, find local rebuilder, take alt in, tell them what’s up, and it should only take a few hours if you talk nice to them. They have other work.
Is the alternator on my Buick overcharging?
I have a 2006 Buick LaCrosse with the 3.8 L motor. Last week I found out that the alternator was overcharging (charging at around 15.5-15.7 volts.) The car has 72000 miles on it.
What causes a car battery to overcharg?
Improperly jump-starting the vehicle can send a surge through the battery that destroys one or more cells in the battery or shorts it out. This surge disrupts the wiring in the alternator, causing an overcharging condition. Additionally, an incorrect replacement battery in the vehicle can cause an overcharging condition.