What components control how much voltage is going to be put out by the alternator?
Basically, the voltage regulator controls field current through the rotor, inside the alternator, in order to control alternator output. Without a voltage regulator, an alternator may put out up to 250 volts. This is enough to destroy the car’s battery and electrical system.
What should the voltage be on a Dodge alternator?
Read the voltmeter again. This time a reading between 14.2 and 14.6 volts is the norm. If you see anything below 14.2, your Dodge’s alternator is not providing enough voltage to keep the battery fully charged. Listen to the Dodge’s alternator while the engine is running.
Is it normal for an alternator to not charge?
Still, it’s perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently. One test is not enough if you are diagnosing a charging system problem. All too often, the alternator is condemned as the source of the problem if only battery voltage is present with the engine running.
What kind of energy does an alternator use?
It converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). It must supply enough electrical energy to the battery for recharging, along with maintaining sufficient voltage to run the vehicle’s accessories and components.
What’s the overcharge rate on an alternator?
The internal regulator mounts inside the alternator case (consolidated), with a smaller and more compact design. If one of the contact switches has stuck, it can produce an overcharge rate, typically 15 volts or more.
What should the voltage be on an alternator?
Alternator Testing: What Is The Correct Voltage? For some alternators, it’s normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem.
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.
Where is the green wire on an alternator?
Connect one to a paint-free point on the engine, and the other one to the green wire. Actually, you can use either small terminal on the back of the alternator. The resistance between those two terminals is only four ohms, but be aware, it is common for them to read open circuit when the rotor is not spinning.
What happens when an alternator overcharges the battery?
The alternator will overcharge the remaining cells and boil the electrolyte in the other cells. At the other extreme, a battery that is sulfated due to being undercharged or not seeing constant use will maintain normal charging voltages.