What to do if your alternator is overcharging?
The changing control computer can solve overcharging. It should be replaced if the alternator is damaged or wicked. And when installing a new alternator, make sure you are purchasing better alternator such as ACDelco or DB Electrical and the alternator should fulfill your vehicle requirements.
What causes an alternator to go over base voltage?
If you are getting more than 2 volts above base voltage, most likely your alternator is over-charging the battery or the battery is faulty. Other potential problems are a faulty voltage regulator or a problem in the charging system wiring.
Is the alternator at the heart of the charging system?
Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology. The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways.
What should my alternator voltage be at idle?
Have a helper start the engine and hold the RPM’s just above idle at about 1500 and observe the meter. It should read between 13.6 and 15.2 volts depending on battery condition and state of charge. If the voltage on the meter stays the same or drops when the engine is started the alternator is not charging.
What causes a car alternator to over charge?
Over-charging is caused by the voltage regulator driving the alternator too hard. There’s two possibilities for this condition. The voltage regulator is shorted, which is fairly uncommon, or the control wire going to it is grounded. There is a third possibility, but it doesn’t apply here.
Can a stuck contact switch cause an alternator to overcharge?
A stuck contact switch that refuses to disengage will cause an overcharging problem. The internal regulator, or “internally regulated” regulator, has been used as a replacement for older, externally mounted regulators. The internal regulator mounts inside the alternator case (consolidated), with a smaller and more compact design.
What kind of regulator does an alternator use?
Internal Regulator. The internal regulator, or “internally regulated” regulator, has been used as a replacement for older, externally mounted regulators. The internal regulator mounts inside the alternator case (consolidated), with a smaller and more compact design.
Can a bad alternator be found on a running engine?
If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. That only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not prove a faulty alternator. 1. One Test Is Not Enough