Are You Able To Troubleshoot Alternator Problems And Failures
On any car there are a number of electrical systems that all need to work cooperatively to allow the vehicle run properly. These systems are the battery, the alternator, the solenoid, and the starter. Each of these systems has an important role in the running of the car . If any one of these components fails, the car won't go too far. You will be pretty well stuck cold. But troubleshooting the various issues can be a fairly big endeavor . When you have an electrical malfunction , it can be very challenging to figure out which system is causing the issue . But apart from the battery, the alternator is probably the most common electrical system on a car that fails. This article will assist you in determining if you are having alternator issues or if you're experiencing another sort of electrical problem.
Alternator issues commonly arise while you're driving down the road. But before we get ahead of ourselves , let's quickly talk about just what an alternator is and just what it does. An alternator basically is just a mini generator. It is run by the engine and generates electricity to power all of the different electrical components of a vehicle like lights and stereo . The alternator also recharges the battery after the vehicle starts. When the alternator goes out as you are moving along the road, the car will begin to lose power, possibly somewhat gradually or else fairly quickly depending on whether the alternator goes out all at once or if it fails slowly before eventually dying. This power loss will eventually cause the vehicle to die. The alternator is necessary to power the coil, which gives the engine its combustive capability. So you can't drive your vehicle without an alternator.
If you think your alternator is bad but it didn't go out while you were driving down the road, there is a different method of trying to diagnose the problem. The alternator is required to run the vehicle but not to start the car . Commonly , if the alternator has gone bad , you still might be able to start the vehicle. If you can't quite start the vehicle , you'll definitely be able to jump start the car . The battery will drain quickly if the alternator isn't able to recharge it though. So if you are able to start the car but not go very far before the car dies on you, then you may want to have a buddy follow you in a different car so they can give you a battery boost and help you make it to the shop.
Or, if you don't want to spend the money, you might try changing the alternator yourself. Alternators are fairly standard and they usually cost about $250 or so. So if you're in a somewhat adventurous mood , an alternator is the component with the big ball of copper wire with a metal cage surrounding it . It is circular and slightly smaller than a volleyball. Of course, if you have no mechanical experience, it is not recommended that you work on your own vehicle. But if your alternator is easily accessible and you feel like you have the knowhow , then you might want to think about changing it yourself and saving yourself a bit of cash.