What should the voltage be to replace an alternator?
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Attach the voltmeter to the battery and start the vehicle. Check for proper voltage, indicated by the alternator output read between 13.1 to 16.5 volts. If everything checks out, your alternator replacement job is complete.
How can I tell if I have an alternator problem?
To differentiate an alternator problem from the battery, you will need to use a voltmeter to check for voltage. First, turn off the engine and check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 12.65 volts. Next, turn on the engine and recheck the voltage. You should have a reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
Where can I buy an alternator for my car?
If you are going to be replacing your car’s alternator yourself you will first need to buy a replacement alternator. You can go to your local auto parts store, buy an alternator off eBay, or purchase a replacement through Amazon. I would shop around to find the best deal.
Can a cheater be used on an alternator?
If there is no transverse bolt, you can use a ‘cheater’ to hold the alternator in place while you tighten it into its correct position. Alternatively, a good assistant can help you keep the belt tight while you fasten the mounting bolts. Without the correct tension, you’re in danger of creating real problems.
How do you know when to replace an alternator?
Check for the correct belt tension. On an older engine with a V-belt, the belt should have no more than about 1/2″ of deflection in either direction. A few days after the job is complete, check the V-belt’s tension again and adjust if necessary. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Do you need tensioner to replace alternator in car?
Automotive designs vary greatly from car to car. You may need something else, and many cars won’t need the last two items to get the job done, although some do. It all depends on how your make and model was made. If you don’t have a tensioner tool, borrow one from us through the AutoZone Loan-A-Tool program.
Where is the alternator located in a car?
Summary 1 The alternator is a compact generator primarily consisted of a magnetic coil and a metal rod. 2 It is typically found in front of your car’s engine, with a pulley attached to the crankshaft via an alternator belt. 3 The alternator features an aluminum housing for a few reasons: it is lightweight and does not magnetize.
What happens if you leave your alternator alone?
Your alternator supplies your car’s battery and auxiliary systems with electrical current, and a failed alternator left alone will eventually lead you with a dead battery, or a dead car on the side of the road. Keep reading to learn the signs of a damaged alternator and find out the general steps required for a DIY alternator replacement.
Can a car be repaired without an alternator?
As you know, an alternator replacement isn’t a repair that can wait, unless driving your vehicle isn’t important to you. Fortunately, learning how to replace an alternator isn’t complicated.
How do you install a new alternator in a car?
Installing the New Alternator Slide the new alternator into place. You might have to wiggle the alternator around to squeeze it back into place in a crowded engine bay. Insert the mounting bolts. Slide the mounting bolts through the alternator and into the mounting bracket. Run the belt over the new alternator pulley.
What happens when the alternator dies on a car?
Because the alternator supplies current to the vehicle’s electrical systems, this is where you’ll notice most that something is amiss. Dead Battery: Your car battery will die without a working alternator to keep it charged. If your battery dies, you should test the battery (free at AutoZone).
What do you need to change an alternator?
Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery. Depending on how much space you have in your specific vehicle, you may be able to use a ratchet, but in some, you may only be able to fit an open-ended wrench.
Can a bad alternator cause a car to not start?
Once this battery reserve hits a certain level, the vehicle will begin to run erratically and will no longer start when the key is turned. Often, the battery light will come on, the alternator gets replaced, and then a few days later the vehicle dies.
Do you need to remove serpentine belt to change alternator?
As you loosen the bolts, the alternator will slide in the bracket under the tension of the belt. You may not need to remove the serpentine or accessory belt if it’s not damaged.