Alternator replacement

Alternator replacement

The alternator produces electrical current and charges the battery. If it fails, a red warning light with a battery symbol turns on on the dashboard. If the system is working properly, the light should go on immediately after turning on the ignition, and off after starting the engine. The most frequent causes of alternator failure include bearing seizure, diode bridge or voltage regulator malfunction or wear of its brushes. In each case, the alternator requires changing.

Tips

  • A battery charging test will help you detect an alternator failure
  • A malfunctioning alternator bearing may cause the drive belt to snap
  • If broken, the alternator must be replaced with a new one

Scope of services

  • Removing the belt driving the alternator
  • Removing the alternator
  • Fitting a new alternator in
  • Reconnecting the electrical cables
  • Fitting the drive belt back on
  • Carrying out a battery charging test

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Check out our workshops that offer the service alternator replacement in some of the biggest cities in your country

Additional info about the service

What is the alternator"?

The alternator generates electrical power in the car. It is driven by a belt from the car engine. It charges the battery, thus making your car power-independent while driving.

An alternator breakdown occurs when its bearing, diode bridge or voltage regulator fail. Other alternator components that gradually wear include brushes and winding.

How is the alternator replaced?

Irrespective of the type of failure that the alternator suffers from, it has to be removed from the car. To do this, you need to remove the alternator drive belt. Next, you have to disconnect the cables attached to the alternator and then remove its mountings. You can continue the repair after taking the alternator out. A new alternator is fitted in the reverse order. You should check the condition of the alternator drive belt and, if necessary, replace it.

What to keep in mind?

After fitting a new alternator you should start the engine and check the charging current by means of an ammeter. The current should range between 13.8 V and 14.5 V. In the case of some cars, the alternator is equipped with a clutch located in its V-belt pulley, which prevents the drive belt from being pulled when starting the engine.

Some alternators are cooled with the coolant from the engine cooling system. If this is the case, the process of removing and fitting the alternator is more complex and requires opening the cooling system."