{"id":549,"date":"2022-02-22T04:06:54","date_gmt":"2022-02-22T04:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/?p=549"},"modified":"2022-02-22T04:06:55","modified_gmt":"2022-02-22T04:06:55","slug":"what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes an Alternator to Go Bad?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The alternator is a crucial component of your car. Its primary function is to charge your engine\u2019s battery and other electrical parts, such as the headlights and sound system. Understanding how it can malfunction and what to look for can save you a lot of time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-550\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#How_Does_an_Alternator_Work\" title=\"How Does an Alternator Work?\">How Does an Alternator Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#Main_Parts_of_an_Alternator\" title=\"Main Parts of an Alternator\">Main Parts of an Alternator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#Why_Does_an_Alternator_Go_Bad\" title=\"Why Does an Alternator Go Bad?\">Why Does an Alternator Go Bad?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#Symptoms_of_a_Faulty_Alternator\" title=\"Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator\">Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#How_to_Test_an_Alternator_DIY\" title=\"How to Test an Alternator (DIY)\">How to Test an Alternator (DIY)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#What_Causes_an_Alternator_to_Malfunction\" title=\"What Causes an Alternator to Malfunction?\">What Causes an Alternator to Malfunction?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#How_to_Fix_a_Bad_Alternator_Diode\" title=\"How to Fix a Bad Alternator Diode\">How to Fix a Bad Alternator Diode<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#How_Much_Will_It_Cost_to_Fix_It\" title=\"How Much Will It Cost to Fix It?\">How Much Will It Cost to Fix It?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#How_Often_Does_a_Car_Alternator_Need_to_Be_Replaced\" title=\"How Often Does a Car Alternator Need to Be Replaced?\">How Often Does a Car Alternator Need to Be Replaced?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/electronics\/what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad\/#Alternator_FAQs\" title=\"Alternator FAQs\">Alternator FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-an-alternator-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_an_Alternator_Work\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Does an Alternator Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternator works by using a direct current (DC) to charge your battery and power several other components while you drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s connected to a pulley system and drive belt that power up when your engine turns on, turning the alternator\u2019s rotor shaft. This action causes a series of magnets to rotate around a coil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the magnets rotate, they create an alternating current (AC). Your alternator\u2019s rectifier then converts this AC energy into DC energy, generating power for the electrical systems in your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"main-parts-of-an-alternator\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Main_Parts_of_an_Alternator\"><\/span><a><\/a>Main Parts of an Alternator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several parts comprise an alternator, and each of them has a unique function. Here are the most crucial components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"regulator\"><a><\/a>Regulator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The regulator controls the voltage and manages how much power the alternator channels to the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rotor\"><a><\/a>Rotor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The alternator\u2019s rotor spins around to make the drives belt and pulley rotate, making the magnets rotate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rectifier\"><a><\/a>Rectifier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The rectifier converts the AC energy to DC while charging happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"slip-rings\"><a><\/a>Slip rings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Slip rings are electrical devices that transmit power to the rotor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"slip-ring-end-bearings\"><a><\/a>Slip Ring End Bearings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The end bearings provide the rotate shaft support while it spins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drive-end-bearing\"><a><\/a>Drive End Bearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The drive end bearings offer additional support to the rotate shaft. These are what it spins on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stator\"><a><\/a>Stator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A stator is a ring made of iron with wire coils around it and is the central part of an alternator. Its function is to supply electrical energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pulley\"><a><\/a>Pulley<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The pulley works with the drive system to allow the alternator to rotate. Depending on the type of car you have, the pulley can be grooved to complement a V-shaped belt or a serpentine belt (several newer car models have a serpentine-style belt). Its size and design ensure that your car\u2019s engine gets the proper amount of charge at different speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-does-an-alternator-go-bad\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_an_Alternator_Go_Bad\"><\/span><a><\/a>Why Does an Alternator Go Bad?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lifespan of an alternator is between 100,000 and 150,000 miles (around seven years). Because they\u2019re generally long-lasting, their age is the most common reason for alternators to go bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the number of electronic components in the car, the way you drive and maintain the vehicle, and the alternator\u2019s quality all determine how soon an alternator will die out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some things that may contribute to an alternator going bad are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Installing electrical components that cause it to overload<\/li><li>Jumpstarting the car incorrectly<\/li><li>Wear and tear from leaking fluid such as engine oil<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"symptoms-of-a-faulty-alternator\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_of_a_Faulty_Alternator\"><\/span><a><\/a>Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are some red flags to look for if you suspect you have a bad alternator:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"unexpected-malfunctioning-of-any-electrical-systems\"><a><\/a>Unexpected Malfunctioning of Any Electrical Systems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your lights suddenly start dimming or changing in brightness, this could be a problem with your alternator. Additionally, any other electrical components that begin to fail, including the radio or air conditioner, could also indicate your alternator is having issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"seeing-alt-or-gen-pop-up-on-the-dashboard\"><a><\/a>Seeing \u201cALT\u201d or \u201cGEN\u201d Pop up on the Dashboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you see a warning light that spells ALT or GEN, it means that your battery is not receiving enough charging power. This is one of the most obvious signs of needing a new alternator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-stalling-engine\"><a><\/a>A Stalling Engine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A car that stalls at seemingly random times typically has a bad alternator. That\u2019s because if your battery isn\u2019t getting charged, it will cause your fuel injectors to fail. You may deal with your engine stalling off and on as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-drained-battery\"><a><\/a>A Drained Battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you notice that your car isn\u2019t starting, it\u2019s likely due to a dead battery. Sometimes, there is a good reason for your battery to die, such as forgetting to turn off the lights in the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In these cases, your first course of action will likely be to jumpstart the car and fix the problem. Constantly having to jumpstart your car can indicate a problem with the battery itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-test-an-alternator-diy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Test_an_Alternator_DIY\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Test an Alternator (DIY)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use a <a href=\"https:\/\/learn.sparkfun.com\/tutorials\/how-to-use-a-multimeter\/all\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">multimeter<\/a> to check your alternator. Start by setting your multimeter to DCV (DC Volts) and a number higher than 15. Place the black cable from your multimeter in the negative terminal. Then, place the red cable in the positive terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, check the reading. You want a number close to 12.6. After starting the car, try to get a reading between 14.2 and 14.7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your reading is higher or lower than this range, it means your battery is either overcharged or undercharged. You can also check all the electrical components separately and see if your reading falls below 13 (it shouldn\u2019t).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After turning your car back off, you should see a reading of bear 12.6 again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Alternator-2.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-causes-an-alternator-to-malfunction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_an_Alternator_to_Malfunction\"><\/span><a><\/a>What Causes an Alternator to Malfunction?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common reason for an alternator to malfunction is age. That said, sometimes an alternator can malfunction much sooner than expected for other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-slipped-belt\"><a><\/a>A Slipped Belt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the alternator\u2019s belt is somehow damaged, it can slip off and cause the alternator to produce less voltage. It\u2019s common to hear a sharp screechy sound when this happens, but the sound can also be very faint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-bad-duse\"><a><\/a>A Bad Duse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a fuse is blown, the alternator cannot charge the battery. A fuse can go out because of a short circuit or too much current flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"computer-issue\"><a><\/a>Computer Issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>New car models often have a computer system that manages the alternator and other electrical components. A system issue could cause the alternator to malfunction despite there being nothing wrong with the alternator\u2019s parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"diodes\"><a><\/a>Diodes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A common reason for an alternator malfunctioning is a bad diode or diodes. Diodes assist in converting AC power to DC power in your alternator\u2019s rectifier. A diode can get burnt out due to overheating or overloading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"leaking-fluid\"><a><\/a>Leaking Fluid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Power-steering fluid or engine oil can sometimes leak its way to the alternator and cause it to malfunction. Leaking oil or fluid typically means something is damaged, worn, or fitting incorrectly. Damaged seals or O rings, for example, can lead to fluid leaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-fix-a-bad-alternator-diode\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Fix_a_Bad_Alternator_Diode\"><\/span><a><\/a>How to Fix a Bad Alternator Diode<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that diodes can be repaired. Most alternators have six diodes. If one or more of them has stopped working, you can replace the rectifier\u2019s assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-will-it-cost-to-fix-it\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Will_It_Cost_to_Fix_It\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Much Will It Cost to Fix It?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of a new alternator, including labor, is between $500 and $1,000. Smaller parts of the alternator, such as a belt that became loose, will only cost about $150.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-often-does-a-car-alternator-need-to-be-replaced\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Often_Does_a_Car_Alternator_Need_to_Be_Replaced\"><\/span><a><\/a>How Often Does a Car Alternator Need to Be Replaced?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>How much you drive and how well your car is maintained will impact the lifespan of your alternator. Typically, you want to replace it every 100,000 miles and wait no longer than 150,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"alternator-faqs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alternator_FAQs\"><\/span><a><\/a>Alternator FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about alternators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-a-bad-alternator-cause-limp-mode\"><a><\/a>Can a bad alternator cause limp mode?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your alternator\u2019s voltage regulator stops working, it can result in your car going into limp mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-it-worth-replacing-an-alternator\"><a><\/a>Is it worth replacing an alternator?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a new alternator is a sound investment. Though you can replace individual parts like a belt, you may see other issues depending on the problem. If one part is too worn from age, it\u2019s best to replace the whole alternator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-an-alternator-work-when-the-car-is-off\"><a><\/a>Does an alternator work when the car is off?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The alternator works both when the car is idling and when it\u2019s driving. However, it is not working while the car is off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-you-tell-if-it-s-the-battery-or-the-alternator\"><a><\/a>How can you tell if it\u2019s the battery or the alternator?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your car starts but continuously needs to be jumpstarted or runs only in small spurts, you\u2019ve got a bad battery. A problem with the alternator will not be fixed by jumpstarting because the battery isn\u2019t charged at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-causes-an-alternator-to-go-bad-repeatedly\"><a><\/a>What causes an alternator to go bad repeatedly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your alternator keeps failing, it can be due to different parts being worn. If one part is too worn, you can assume the rest will follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dirt and debris, as well as leaks, can also lead to alternators failing repeatedly. Alternatively, there could be a problem with the car\u2019s computer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The alternator is a crucial component of your car. Its primary function is to charge your engine\u2019s battery and other electrical parts, such as the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":550,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-electronics","wpcat-12-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=549"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1429,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/549\/revisions\/1429"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/550"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mycarmakesnoise.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}