Signs of alternator failure
Generator is one of the most important elements of the car, in case of its failure the vehicle will be immobilised. Any breakdown of the generator requires the intervention of a master. If it is not fixed in time, the car will face expensive repairs. In order to detect damage to the alternator, you should know what signs there are during the breakdown.
How the alternator works
The alternator converts mechanical energy, which comes from the motor of the car, into electrical energy. Virtually all modern cars have alternators.
The alternator serves as a source of constant recharging of the battery when the engine is on. If the alternator breaks down, accordingly – the battery will soon be free of electrical charge. The alternator supplies current to the car battery and all electrical appliances. If the rear window heater, headlights are switched on, the current draw will be more than the alternator can supply. When this happens, the load falls on the battery and it starts to discharge.
What are some alternator failures
Generator breakdowns are of different nature, they can be mechanical or electrical. The first type of faults – is the breakage of fasteners, bearings. Electrical defects include – winding breakage, diode bridge defects. Weak headlight, difficulties with starting the motor, sensor signal, all these symptoms indicate problems with the generator. Generator – the main source for powering the electrical system. The battery serves as an auxiliary source for generating electrical energy. Its resources are used for starting the engine, powering electronic systems.
Generator failure can be seen, it does not happen unexpectedly. If the driver is careful, he or she will have time to minimise the trouble.
Battery failure is an auxiliary source of electrical power.
Why there are difficulties in starting the engine
The first sign that the alternator needs repair – an uncertain engine start. If the alternator is broken, the battery is not getting the charge it needs. Often, a discharged battery is a result of the alternator being broken. The battery may either not be getting a full charge or it may be overcharged. If the regulator relay breaks, the alternator gives more current than necessary, and this leads to battery damage. Newer car models have an option where the engine will not start if the voltage is below 12V.
Why headlights start flickering
Dull headlights, brightness changes, flickering, these are all signs that an emergency alternator diagnosis is needed. The alternator can not cope with heavy loads and requires generator testing equipment to identify sources of failure, to test the unit after repair. Stand MSG MS002 COM is used in the diagnosis of the basic performance characteristics of electrical units of the car.
Why the pictogram is glowing
The illuminated battery icon signals that the car is in serious trouble – the battery is partially charged. This is how the computer system issues a warning to the driver. After receiving this signal, the car can move until the battery is completely discharged. In the conditions that arise, much depends on the overall condition of the battery and how many power consumers are currently engaged. If this occurs, switch off all possible appliances (music, headlights, electric heating, ventilation) and drive to the nearest service centre.
Why the drive belt whistles
There may be several reasons for the unpleasant whistling from under the bonnet of an unheated car. For example, whistling occurs when the drive belt is not tight enough. If you do not eliminate the weak tension, the generator will not properly charge the battery. In many car models this belt is automatically tensioned, it is also responsible for the power steering pump, air conditioner compressor. In inexpensive car models, this option is not provided, and the belt will be stretched, then manual adjustment is required.
Why the belt overheats and deteriorates
A sign of alternator and bypass rollers jamming is the appearance of smoke and acrid odour from the drive belt, and delamination of the rubber elements may occur. Drive belt breakage can lead to a complete shutdown of the generator and cause extensive malfunctions of other systems. Ripped shreds, getting under the timing belt lead to a failure of timing phases and disruption of engine operation. When the belt has overheated or collapsed, the alternator pulley should be tested, as it should move freely and not tilt when loaded.
Why there is ringing and rustling under the bonnet
The bearings in an alternator are constantly subjected to high general and thermal loads. Over time, their service life expires, the elements wear out, the grease wears off, which leads to the occurrence of noise, skewing and jamming of the rotor, bearing breakage. The source of such noise can also be attributed to the wear of the overrunning or damping clutch. The clutch has a short service life and is quickly deformed. Both of these faults can be easily remedied after diagnosis.
Why an electrical hum occurs
The occurrence of electrical hum will happen if there is a short circuit in the stator winding. Such a failure is manifested by electrical sounds. Such a noise can be heard from the electric motors of city trolleybuses.
Before travelling to sparsely populated, remote areas, make sure the generator is fully functional. If a problem occurs on the road, it will be difficult to fix without specialised tools, spare parts and experience. Every 100,000 kilometres you should remove the alternator for repair and defect testing.
Diagnostic equipment MSG equipment will help to quickly and qualitatively test the work of the generator set, identify and eliminate the fault. Diagnostic benches have a wide range of models, differ in purpose and cost, so they are suitable for large and small car repair shops.
