What would cause an alternator to charge intermittently?
If the light illuminates only intermittently, it usually indicates a loose or worn drive belt or serpentine belt, worn-out or bad carbon brushes in the alternator.
What can cause an alternator to break?
Alternators have moving parts, get dirty and are subject to stress from heat and cold. As a result, the internal parts gradually wear out. One of the most common failures is bearing failure. The needle bearings that allow the rotor to spin freely inside the stator can break down from dirt and heat.
Can a bad alternator damage electronics?
The alternator has to produce enough current to keep the car’s battery recharged and to supply all the other electrical components with power. It takes a minimum of 13.1 volts to force a charge back into a battery. Anything over 14.2 volts, though, can damage delicate electronic sensors throughout the car.
What does alternator warning light indicates Is it safe to drive with alternator warning light on?
Is it safe to drive with the alternator warning light on? When this light is illuminated, your car is still somewhat safe to drive as you will have enough battery power to run the engine.
How do you wire a 1 wire alternator?
Simply connect one wire from the positive battery terminal to the positive alternator terminal. It’s that easy! #1 (Left terminal) NO CHARGE WARNING LIGHT Note that our 1-wire alternators 7127, 7139 and 7140 permits the use of a no charge warning/dashboard indicator light. To wire a warning light, remove the terminal plug cover
Can a short circuit cause an alternator to break?
Any short or open circuit or wrong connection can cause a sudden surge of voltage that will damage electronic parts. Never make or break any connection while the engine is running. Checking alternator output using an ammeter in series with the charging system should be done only by an auto-electrician.
What causes a field breaker to pop on an alternator?
If the field breaker has popped, suspect a chafed wire making contact with the airframe somewhere. Trace the entire path of the field wire until you find the short. When testing an alternator with only an F terminal, one lead goes to the case (ground) and the other to the F terminal.
When to check the field wire for an alternator?
For example, if the alternator is not putting out any power, check the field wire before ordering a new alternator. It is just easier to fix simple things, even if it is not always easier to find simple problems.