What would cause an alternator to go bad repeatedly?
Alternators put out alternating current, and the battery needs direct current to charge, so there is a voltage rectifier that converts it, and it can suddenly go bad, too. Dust and dirt can get into the alternator, and over time cause shorts or wear on the brushes.
Why does my battery keep dying with a new alternator?
It doesn’t matter if the cable is for the positive or negative terminal. Another reason why a battery keeps dying even with a good alternator is when the alternator is not given the time to recharge. Frequent starting and stopping draws a lot of current but does not allow the alternator to recharge the battery fully.
Do alternators go out suddenly?
The alternator is a key component in running the electrical systems in your car. When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time.
Can a bad alternator drain a battery when the car is off?
Even while your car is off, your battery provides power to things like the clock, the radio, and the alarm system. These things shouldn’t have a major impact on your battery. But when the engine is off, the alternator can’t recharge the battery, allowing little electrical mishaps to drain your battery entirely.
What should I do if my alternator goes out?
Recheck the smaller wires to the alternator and recheck the battery voltage when the car is off. I would say that the chances of the old alternator “going out” without a peep, and this brand new one both being simultaneously defective is a stretch.
What’s the battery voltage on an old alternator?
The old alternator tested good at Autozone. The battery has 11.8 volts now. Turning on the ignition drops that to 11.6. Starting the car drops it to 11.4. The alternator to body voltage with the engine running is 11.4 volts.
Where is the fuse for the alternator located?
It’s connected to a 10 Amp fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. The fuse is identified as “Alternator” in the Owners Manual (Specifications section). The wire from this fuse should have battery voltage on it at all times. If it doesn’t, then the fuse might be blown.
Is the alternator on my Outback still working?
2018 Outback- Brand new!! 2003 Outback, 4cyl. 290,000 miles and still goin’ strong!! I would say that the chances of the old alternator “going out” without a peep, and this brand new one both being simultaneously defective is a stretch.