The leading problems with alternators usually embrace the girdle and brushes.
Motorcar alternators infrequently animation erratic. They Frequently extreme for up to 100,000 miles of driving. However when they discharge hardihood fluffed, your battery goes dead and your electrical devices break off working. The leading problems that can ensue are worn-out brushes or a loose alternator belt. Check for both of these. Rectifying a loose alternator belt is moderately easy. But if the problem is worn brushes, you may need to take your car to a repair shop if you're not mechanically minded.
Instructions
Prepare
1. Wear lightweight rubber gloves before you begin to check your alternator problem. They keep your hands clean and, more importantly, protect you from electric shock.
2. Put on a pair of protective goggles. You need to start your car's engine for one of the alternator checks and then attach clips from the voltmeter to the battery terminals, which may cause an electrical spark.
3. Open the car's hood and secure it.
Check Alternator Belt
4. Find the alternator belt. The belt goes around the alternator, the crankshaft and the water pump. It's usually at the front of the engine.
5. Find the longest part of the belt that's accessible and measure the tension of the belt. A loose alternator belt means the alternator pulley doesn't turn as quickly as it should and therefore can't produce the correct amount of electricity.
6. Place a 6-inch ruler next to the center part of the alternator belt. Keep the ruler in place using one hand and then use your other hand to pull the belt along the side of the ruler. Measure how much movement there is and make a note of it. It should be less than 1 inch.
7. Push the alternator belt the other way so your get an exact measurement. The total movement must not exceed 2 inches. If it does, have the belt tension adjusted by a mechanic.
Check Alternator Brushes
Have the alternator checked at a repair garage.11. Remove the voltmeter clamps from the car battery. Close the hood and turn off the engine.
Set a voltmeter in the range 10-to-15 volts. Use the clamp on the end of the red wire extending from the voltmeter and attach it to the positive terminal of the car battery. The terminal is labeled "+" or "pos." Attach the clamp on the end of the black wire that extends from the voltmeter to the negative terminal of the battery. It's labeled "-" or "neg."
10. Read the output voltage displayed on your voltmeter. If it's less than 13 volts, you may need to replace the alternator brushes.8. Start your car's engine. Be sure to have gloves and goggles on and tuck away any loose clothing.9.
