What can cause an alternator to keep going bad?
Mechanically a pulley could be off-center and strain the alternator bearings. Or in older cars the tensioner may be adjusted too tightly. If it’s an electrical death, it could be using alternators from a poor source, like some of the marginal alternator recyclers.
What causes a car to have an alternator problem?
Any kind of sever short-circuit or electric overload may also cause an alternator problem. Diode rectifier and voltage regulators are especially vulnerable to this. This was a more often problem in previous, older cars when the tension was done manually.
Why does the battery keep draining the alternator?
Battery keeps draining replaced alternator and battery and new battery… battery keeps draining replaced alternator… A car battery is used to store electrical power in reserve to be used when the car engine is started. Several conditions can occur that will cause a battery to lose its charge overnight.
How can I tell if my alternator is bad?
You can easily check by measuring the voltage at the battery with the car running, which should not go above 15 volts even with the engine revving. First, check that all the wires to the alternator and regulator are connected properly and not broken.
What causes an alternator pulley not to work?
Not replacing it on time, stuck alternator pulley or a faulty bearing are common causes of this problem. Worst thing about this problems is that it can snap at a moments notice. Main causes of alternator problems (at least from what I’ve seen) are: This is the first and most common reason of them all.
What are the signs of a dead alternator?
The signs of a dying alternator include: Car shutting down shortly after being jumped. Car’s electronic operations (radio, headlights) weaken while driving. Alternator warning light is on. Headlights dimming more than usual.
Is it bad to drive with a bad alternator?
If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.
What could cause the alternator to go bad?
Reasons an Alternator Would Go Bad Failing Diodes. An alternator is essentially composed of three smaller alternators that each supply varying levels of… Defective Bearings. Alternators revolve on high-precision needle bearings that you generally cannot hear. When the… Insufficient Field
Is my alternator or voltage regulator bad?
Another way you can tell the voltage regulator is bad is when the car lights keep dimming or flickering . After all, the voltage regulator is supposed to keep the power flowing to the lights, so it’s no surprise that those lights don’t work right anymore once this part goes bad.