There are two types of alternators: dry-type and wet-type. The wet-type is more efficient but requires regular maintenance. The dry-type does not require maintenance and is more efficient, but is less effective at starting your car.
A cracked alternator is a common problem on older vehicles. Here’s how to check if you needs replacement:
- Turn off the ignition switch and remove the key from the ignition.
- Open the hood and look at the wiring harness. If the wire harness is loose or has pulled away from the alternator or if the wires are disconnected, the new alternator not charging battery then it needs replacing.
- Look at the terminals on the back of the alternator. If the terminal strip is damaged or missing, the alternator needs replacing.
- Remove the air filter cover and look at the air intake. If the plastic air intake cover is loose or if the rubber seal has broken, the alternator needs replacing.
- Inspect the bolts on the rear of the engine. If the bolts are loose, the alternator does not work properly and it needs replacing.
- If you notice any of the above signs, contact your local auto parts store to see if the alternator needs to be replaced or not.
- Most common reason why an alternator not charging battery is due to worn carbon brushes which makes the problem or a damaged alternator itself.
- Sometimes there is an electrical problem in the alternator not charging battery, and even if the voltage does not change, it might be damaged and may be some other issues.
- It was more common to replace such as parts inside the alternator like the carbon bushes, voltage regulator and diode plate on older cars. Nowadays, it is observed that alternators are quite cheap, and mostly it is more worth replacing the whole alternator.
- A very bad car battery may be actually not taking care of the charge from the alternator, which will cause the alternator not to charge at all.
- One of the common reasons is also that the belt and pulley produce the mechanical power which gets converted into electrical energy by the alternator. Your serpentine belt can easily break and if it gets stretched out too much, causing it to snap apart. There are a lot number of wiring components in a vehicle which helps to produce power for the alternator. All it would take is for one wire to be disconnected or cut for power to stop being generated. As a result, the alternator won’t be able to work or charge the battery until the damage wire is repaired or replaced. To check when the alternator charging battery problem is with the help of voltmeter when the engine is off. The following very reasons which are discuss above might causes the alternator not working properly and gives the bad results must be for a way to make your alternator efficiency good it works properly.