how do i know if the problem is my battery or alternator?
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A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your car; and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery. If the car stops, then you most likely have a problem with the alternator. Another simple test is to check your interior lights.
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The most common reason that your alternator is not charging is because of a damaged alternator. The way to test if your alternator is damaged is by using a multimeter. You should carefully tap the alternator with a hammer when the car is running in order to test the levels and determine if the alternator is at fault.
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Check the reading to see the current voltage of your car battery. Anything lower than 12.2 volts, and it's identified as a bad battery.
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Signs of a Bad Alternator Another telltale is turning the AM radio to a low number on the dial without music, then revving the engine. If you hear a whine or the sound goes fuzzy when you hit the gas, your alternator is probably failing.
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faulty starter can cause a drain on a battery. It can pull too much energy or consistently drain off energy.
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A battery test is easy to perform and can be done at home. First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad.
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Signs of a Bad Alternator Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.
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["Dim headlights. If your car battery is failing, it's not going to be able to fully power your vehicle's electrical components – including your headlights. ... ", 'Clicking sound when you turn the key. ... ', 'Slow crank. ... ', 'Needing to press on the gas pedal to start. ... ', 'Backfiring.']
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["Engine Doesn't Crank or Start. ... ", 'Engine Barely Turns Over. ... ', 'Dim Lighting. ... ', 'Engine Starts and Stays Running When Jumped. ... ', 'Dim or Overly Bright Lights. ... ', 'Discharged Battery. ... ', 'Alternator Noise. ... ', 'Electrical Issues.']
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['A slow starting engine. Over time, the components inside your battery will wear out and become less effective. ... ', 'Dim lights and electrical issues. ... ', 'The check engine light is on. ... ', 'A bad smell. ... ', 'Corroded connectors. ... ', 'A misshapen battery case. ... ', 'An old battery.']
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While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. This happens because the alternator is not generating enough electricity to keep the engine running on its own. If the car continues to the run, the problem may lie with the battery.
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Diagnosing a dead battery versus a dead alternator is relatively easy. Simply jump-start your car and then remove the jumper cables as quickly as possible. Then wait. If the alternator is failing to charge the system, the car will soon die again and you've pinpointed the problem.
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['Slow engine crank. ... ', 'Clicking sound when turning the key. ... ', 'Dim headlights. ... ', 'Problems with electrical components. ... ', 'Dashboard warning light illuminated. ... ', 'The battery case is swollen.']
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Internal voltage regulators also can fail from too much heat. The best way to identify alternator problems is by conducting a bench test. A bench test will check the diodes and internal regulator and then tell you if the alternator is capable of producing its rated current and voltage.
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If the headlights flicker, dim or get brighter when the accelerator is pressed down, your alternator may be bad. No change in headlight brightness indicates that your alternator is likely fine. A battery test is easy to perform and can be done at home. First, open the hood and start the car.
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Bad Battery Symptoms If the cranking of the engine is sluggish, like your vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings, it starts inconsistently, or there's no sound and interior lights when you try to start, suspect a failing battery, a loose or corroded connection or electrical draw.
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Defective Alternator If your alternator has a bad diode, your battery can drain. The bad alternator diode can cause the circuit to charge even when the engine is shut off, and you end up in the morning with a car that won't start.