Look for a diagram under or near your fuse box cover. It will have individual amperage numbers (sometimes along with volts) already set by the manufacturer. Add up those numbers to find what amperage your alternator needs to feed the car’s electrical system. Verify this number with the part manufacturer, if necessary.
How do I tell what kind of alternator I have?
Look for the number on the alternator. If you can’t see the entire number, remove the adjustable bracket with a wrench. Take off the alternator and find the part number on it. Once you have the number, you have the identification of your alternator.
How do I know if I have a variable voltage smart alternator?
What you are looking for is a module mounted on or close to the battery terminal (usually the battery negative). This is the battery sensor, if it’s got one of these, you have a variable voltage alternator.
How do I find the part number on my alternator?
Where to find the part number depends on the make and model of the Alternator. On most if not all Alernators the part number and Amps are found on a label on the side or end of the Alernator.
How do I know the amperage of my alternator?
Start the vehicle and hold the engine at around 1,500 rpm. With the engine held, the carbon pile can simulate an electrical load. Alternator output should increase, and the ammeter reading should register close to the alternator amp rating.
What happens if you put the wrong alternator in a car?
A bad alternator will result in a discharged (dead) battery and cause a vehicle to not start or run. Alternators are designed to maintain a battery’s charge, not to recharge a dead battery. Your alternator’s job is to maintain a consistent charge on your battery. Draining your car’s battery is not advised.
Will any alternator work in any car?
In most cases nothing except it would work fine. If the two alternators are physically the same and wired the same it’s just a one for one swap. But make sure both alternators use the same gauge output wire in case one alternator has a higher amperage output.
How do I know if I have a smart alternator?
If your readings are around 14.4V DC then you most likely have the traditional, non-smart alternator. If your reading is closer to 12.5-13.5V then it’s likely that you have a smart alternator.
Can I use a VSR with a smart alternator?
However, with a smart alternator, when the output voltage drops to below 12.8V a VSR would disengage, meaning that the auxiliary battery would have significant periods where it wouldn’t be charging, even though the engine would be running (some models of VSR may not engage at all, dependent on the on-board software).
Will dual batteries hurt my alternator?
You can run two batteries on the same alternator. Alternators protect against excessive current drain and aren’t affected by multiple batteries. When you connect the batteries, the voltage equalizes. This means that the lower voltage battery sucks power from the other.
How do I choose the right alternator?
How to Choose an Alternator
- Make a list of your electrical components.
- Determine amp draw on each and total.
- Select an alternator with more amps than estimated to ensure long life of the alternator.
- See our website for additional tips.
- Call our Tech Support Line for selection assistance…
Is my alternator bad?
Signs of a Bad Alternator
Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you’re underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.
Are all alternators the same?
It’s important to purchase a Alternator with the same Amps. If you purchase one with less Amps, you will not be able to use all the cars electrics because the battery won’t be fast enough.
Is it OK to use a higher amp alternator?
That is, your alternator will only supply the amount of amperage a particular component demands—and no more. So high-output alternators will not harm your components or charging system, no matter how high you go with the amps.
How many amps does a 12v alternator put out?
The power that can be produced by an alternator is determined by the alternator rating. The output of the alternator ranges from 40 Amp up to 120 Amp. For high-amp alternator, it can generate up to 300 Amp. Commercialized alternator is usually 12 V.
How many amps should a 12 volt alternator put out?
Most late model alternators produce 120 to 155 amps or more. Current output increases with engine speed, from around 20 to 50 amps at idle up to the unit’s maximum output at 2,500 RPM or higher (refer to a service manual for the exact charging output specifications for your vehicle).
What kills an alternator?
Running in full charge mode continuously can kill an alternator, so trying to have your new alternator try and charge your dead battery can result in immediate alternator failure.
How do you tell if it’s the battery or alternator?
If your engine won’t turn over or takes far longer than usual, it’s time to grab the jumper cables and attempt a jump-start. If your engine starts and stays running but won’t start again later, it’s likely a battery problem. If your vehicle immediately stalls, it’s probably a bad alternator.
Can a car run without an alternator?
Conclusion. An alternator is a vital car component. Without it, your battery will not get the power it needs. A dead alternator will also disrupt the overall function of your motor car.
Can I swap alternators?
Step by Step: Replacing an Alternator
Loosen and remove the serpentine belt. Remove the wiring harness or connectors. Loosen and remove the alternator. Install the new alternator, making sure it fits and aligns with the bolt holes.
Is the alternator a generator?
No. An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy. An alternator always induces an alternating current.
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