The alternator of the car ensures that, as soon as the engine is running, the battery and power consumers are supplied with electricity. Power consumers of your car can be; the car radio, lighting, alarm system and wiper blades. Also, the alternator has as task to charge the car battery.
Alternator, how it works
The alternator, also called dynamo, is mounted against the engine. This is then connected to the crankshaft in the engine. The auxiliary belt or V-belt provides the connection between these parts. The moment you start the car and let the engine run, the dynamo will start supplying power, alternator current (AC) is generated. However, the power consumers including the battery need to be charged with direct current (DC). This means that the alternating current must be converted into direct current. This conversion is done through diodes. The diodes convert the AC into DC. There is also a voltage regulator in the dynamo. This regulator interrupts the power supply as soon as the car battery is fully charged.
Alternator problems?
In some cases, it is possible that the alternator no longer supplies power. Then the car battery will no longer be charged. However, this problem can have two causes. First, the problem may lie with the auxiliary belt or the V-belt as they drive the dynamo. When the belt is slacked or broken, the alternator will no longer be driven. However, in some cases, the alternator is worn and needs to be replaced.
A malfunctioning alternator can be recognised by a number of points. For example, it is difficult for the car to start as the battery is no longer charged. Symptoms of a battery that is not charged correctly are; weak lightning, low sound of the horn and wiper blades that move slower than normal. Also, a warning light on your dashboard will light up. This light will indicate that the battery is not charged correctly.
Reconditioning alternator or replacing alternator
When the alternator is worn and no longer works properly, you may have to replace or recondition it. Having a dynamo replaced can cost you up to 400 pounds. To save cost, you can choose to replace this part yourself. However, how easy the replacement is, depends on the make and type of your car. When you decide to replace the alternator yourself, you must always start with disconnecting the positive pole from the car battery. This is to prevent a short circuit. To be able to replace the dynamo, you also must remove the auxiliary belt or V-belt. You can do this by removing the tension from the belt. The alternator can then be unscrewed further. Hereby, you have to see for yourself whether you disconnect the electrical cables first or later. When you removed and disconnected all the parts, you can install the new alternator.
Instead of replacing the alternator with a new part, you can also choose for a reconditioned alternator. Most of the times this is cheaper. Often you can exchange your broken part for a reconditioned one, with a discount on the reconditioned one. Of course, this depends on the garage.
Buy alternator
You can order a new dynamo easily at Winparts. Of course, the price depends on the brand you choose and the type of car you have. Curious which parts we have for your car? Then enter your number plate and the right products will be shown.