Does a new alternator need charging?
Before installing the alternator, have the battery (or batteries) load tested and charged. If your battery reads below 11.8V on install it could be permanently damaged, it should be charged and tested before running a new alternator on this battery.
What will happen if the alternator belt is loose?
If your alternator belt gets too loose as you’re driving, it may cause your engine to stall. This means that you’re engine essentially shuts down and you’ll be forced to pull over onto the side of the road. Obviously, you wouldn’t want this happening on a busy street or rush hour traffic on the highway.
Can a loose belt cause battery light?
A failing alternator belt can cause the Battery Light to turn on, dimming or flickering lights in the car, and engine stalls.
Can a broken belt cause an alternator to not charge?
The alternator will not be able to charge if your belt wears down over time. Fortunately, the broken belt is easy to replace, and can be a quick fix to get your alternator backup and charging again. A broken pulley goes hand-in-hand with the broken belt. The pulleys and belts are part of the system which converts energy into the alternator.
What should I do if my alternator is not charging?
The alternator normally lasts longer than the battery. There are some easy steps you can go through to check the function of your alternator. Tap the alternator carefully with a hammer while the engine is runnin; if the charging goes back to normal, the coals inside it are worn out.
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.