Troubleshooting alternators
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==Testing== | ==Testing== | ||
| + | '''''Warning: Never disconnect a battery cable while the engine is running to "test" the alternator. Doing so can cause high voltage spikes that can damage the alternator as well as other electronics.''''' | ||
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To test current you will need a high power amp meter capable of 100 amps DC. Most home mechanics will not have this in their tool box. You will need to either take it to a shop that can test it on the car, or pull it and take it to one of the auto parts stores that has a machine to test it. | To test current you will need a high power amp meter capable of 100 amps DC. Most home mechanics will not have this in their tool box. You will need to either take it to a shop that can test it on the car, or pull it and take it to one of the auto parts stores that has a machine to test it. | ||
If it tests good off the car but does not work on the car it is time to check the wiring to the alternator. Alternators all work basically the same. Usually there is a wire to excite the alternator into working and a sense wire to tell the alternator what the voltage is currently in the system. To properly troubleshoot this you will need a wiring diagram for the vehicle that pertains to the alternator wiring. Most times these can be found on line for the common alternators. | If it tests good off the car but does not work on the car it is time to check the wiring to the alternator. Alternators all work basically the same. Usually there is a wire to excite the alternator into working and a sense wire to tell the alternator what the voltage is currently in the system. To properly troubleshoot this you will need a wiring diagram for the vehicle that pertains to the alternator wiring. Most times these can be found on line for the common alternators. | ||
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==Resources== | ==Resources== | ||
| − | + | *[http://www.madelectrical.com Mad Electrical], a good source of information on the topic of alternators and automotive electrical systems. | |
| − | [http://oljeep.com/AltTheory17/AlternatorTheoryVersion17R1.htm Alternator testing and theory] | + | *[http://oljeep.com/AltTheory17/AlternatorTheoryVersion17R1.htm Alternator testing and theory] |
[[Category:Electrical]] | [[Category:Electrical]] | ||
[[Category:Troubleshooting]] | [[Category:Troubleshooting]] | ||
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