Can I change my alternator without disconnecting the battery?
Once it’s loose, slide the cable off the terminal to disconnect the battery. Never work in the engine bay of a vehicle without first disconnecting the battery for safety. Working on the alternator without disconnecting the battery could result in getting shocked or damaging the vehicle.
What happens when you disconnect an alternator battery?
If disconnecting the battery interferes with the voltage regulator’s control voltage input, it’s possible for the alternator voltage to go way over the top (I’ve heard some say hundreds of volts), frying everything. Even the initial premise was wrong.
What did alternators do in the 1960’s?
In the 1960’s to 1980’s alternators had voltage regulators, once the car was running the battery was just a load, like a light bulb. I have memories of needing to drive more cars then we had working batteries for.
What happens when you remove the battery from a car?
The ECU, the speed sensitive steering, the memory seat adjustments, the cruise control, and even the car’s stereo. Even if your computers and stereo remain intact, in a great many cases removing the battery burns out the diodes in the alternator, necessitating a new alternator.
Where does the charging warning light go on an alternator?
Black and yellow goes from the alternator plug to that generator relay. Blue wire goes from generator relay to that interior harness (C25) which goes to the instrument panel wiring (My 3rd pic the plug on the left) which looks to be for the instrument cluster for the “charging warning light”. Click to expand… Gotcha.
What does it mean when your alternator is not charging?
If the alternator is not charging the battery, you will have a red “ALT” or “charge” sign on your dashboard. This means that your battery is no longer being supplemented for power by the alternator. You will need to recheck the wiring because the light could also be faulty.
What should I do if my alternator keeps dying?
The alternator is essentially a generator and it keeps your battery charged while supplying additional electrical power for the other systems in the vehicle. If you have a new alternator and your battery keeps dying on you, then there’s definitely a problem that you’re going to need to look into.
How can I tell if I have an alternator problem?
To differentiate an alternator problem from the battery, you will need to use a voltmeter to check for voltage. First, turn off the engine and check the battery voltage. A fully charged battery should have a reading of 12.65 volts. Next, turn on the engine and recheck the voltage. You should have a reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
Can a car battery be drained by an alternator?
While you might initially think that any problems with electrical things like lights or radio not working are directly related to the battery, the alternator is actually where most of the power in your vehicle comes from. Consider that if you were to leave the lights of your car on overnight by the next day your battery might be drained completely.