What should the voltage be on a DC alternator?
Thirdly, once the battery is charged, the voltmeter (read the instructions how to check voltage with DC volts) should read between 12 and 13 volts across the battery posts while it is running. This indicates the alternator is functioning. If you shut it off it should be just about 12 volts.
Why does the battery warning light come on after replacing the alternator?
A relatively common “side-effect” of replacing a battery and/or alternator in a car is to have the voltage (battery) warning light come on. This is especially true in late-model vehicles with their more sophisticated internal diagnostic systems.
What happens if you have a bad alternator in your car?
The car won’t start at all. If the problem is a bad alternator, your car will slowly lose power. You’ll be driving down the road, your lights will dim, and you’ll lose power and die. If the problem is with your battery, then you’ll generally only have trouble starting your car since that’s the battery’s main function.
Can a Saab 92 start with a bad alternator?
Dual ignition coils (the blue cylinders at the top of the picture) on a Saab 92. Before you go out and order a new battery or alternator, test some of these different systems. If your alternator, coil, battery, or starter is bad, the car probably won’t start, and it definitely won’t be drivable.
What happens if you have a bad alternator on a Honda Civic?
As described above, a bad alternator will drain your Civic’s battery fast. When the battery gets so dead it will no longer be able to power your Civic’s ignition system. As the ignition system is no longer able to produce a full powered spark, the engine will begin to sputter and stall.
Why is the battery light still on after a new alternator?
So, now truck has new alternator and battery BUT battery light is still staying on. I had them check both and they said, new battery and alt showing good. I know all of the connections are tight and I checked the fuses inside the truck and all are good.
When to test battery before replacing alternator in Buick Enclave?
Often, the battery light will come on, the alternator gets replaced, and then a few days later the vehicle dies. That’s why it’s important to test the battery before you just replace it. Nearly any auto parts store will test your battery for free to see if it holds a charge.
Is the alternator the only thing that powers the car?
Many people assume that the car’s battery is the only thing that powers all electrical components in the car. But, this is not true. The alternator plays a vital role in supplying power to the car’s AC, recharging the battery and ignition.