how do you know if you need a 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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['Dimming lighting system: The alternator is responsible for passing off the charge to the car battery. ... ', 'Unusual sound: ... ', 'Visual check: ... ', 'Discharging car battery: ... ', 'Rapid clicks: ... ', 'Non-stop rotation: ... ', 'Gear block:']
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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. ... ', 'Corroded connectors. ... ', 'A misshapen battery case. ... ', 'An old battery.']
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Your car battery is charged by your alternator. Often, when a battery fails, it's due to a fault with the alternator. Generally, if you can keep your engine RPM up, your alternator will charge your battery at a faster rate. If you are driving on a motorway, you should be able to charge your car battery in 30 minutes.
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Steps to Check Your Battery for Overcharging Once the vehicle is started without the introduction to a load (lights, radio, A/C and fan), the volts will rise to an average of 14 volts. If the multimeter reads higher than 14.8 volts, then the alternator should be checked for overcharging.
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Generally, if you can keep your engine RPM up, your alternator will charge your battery at a faster rate. If you are driving on a motorway, you should be able to charge your car battery in 30 minutes.
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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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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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1) Dimming/Flickering Lights The alternator is responsible for keeping your electrical system alive. Your alternator might be going bad if your headlights and/or dashboard lights start to flicker and become dim. Once the dash lights or headlights dim, it is a clear indication of alternator malfunction.
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['Slow Engine Crank. When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.', 'Check Engine Light. ... ', 'Low Battery Fluid Level. ... ', 'Swelling, Bloating Battery Case. ... ', 'Battery Leak. ... ', 'Old Age.']
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You notice that your headlights or your dash lights flicker or get extra dim or bright. Or that your gauges are behaving strangely. If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator.
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If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator. (Note: Do not try to test the alternator by removing the negative battery cable with the engine running.
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You'll need a volt meter to diagnose the charging system correctly. A bad battery can display similar symptoms to a bad alternator. Test the battery voltage with the tractor running, you should see 13-15 volts. If you don't, then test the voltage at the alternator.
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The alternator is a generator that produces Alternating Current (AC), similar to the electrical current in your home. This current is immediately converted to Direct Current (DC) inside the alternator. This is because all modern automobiles have a 12 volt, DC electrical system.
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2. Look for the Warning Signs of a Dying Battery: You might notice that when you turn the ignition key, the engine cranks slowly. This could be a sign that your battery is about to die, Mazor says. Another telltale sign is to turn on the headlights when the engine isn't running, he says.
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['New car alternator (of course!)', 'Belt tensioner.', 'Basic hand tools.', 'Voltmeter.', 'Replacement serpentine belt.', 'Rags.', 'Gloves.']
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An illuminated dashboard light can indicate a problem with an automobile charging system. However, a very simple way to check if the alternator is working is to run the car and disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If the vehicle stops running, then you probably have a bad alternator.