When should the car alternator be checked?
Present on all car models, the alternator is a generator consisting of a copper coil containing a magnet operated by the engine which drives the alternator belt. The energy produced is then stored in the battery. If it is flat, you can try to recharge the battery. If it still does not work, check the alternator before replacing the electric accumulator.
How do I test the alternator?
To check the alternator of all cars, you must use a multimeter. Position it on "voltmeter" and set it to direct current in 20 volt calibration. Connect the multimeter to the battery terminals, one lead at a time, making sure the leads do not touch each other. It is then necessary to measure the voltage of the battery with no load and cold engine. The voltage indicated on the voltmeter should be between 12.3 and 13.5 volts. If this is not the case, it must be recharged before continuing. Since the alternator only works when the engine is running, the car must then be started. Be sure to make sure the voltage displayed on the multimeter stabilizes before testing the alternator.
How to measure the results obtained?
If the multimeter reading is less than 13.2 volts, the alternator needs to be replaced. If the measurement is within a range of 13.2 to 14.8 volts, the alternator is operating normally. If the indicated voltage is higher than 14.8 volts, then you have a faulty alternator regulator. The car's electrical system is then at risk of overvoltage, which can cause damage to the vehicle's electrical devices. In this case, the problem is that the regulator is integrated into the alternator. It is therefore complicated to repair it. Even if it is not the alternator which is in question, it must be replaced.
If you do not have a multimeter or if you have the slightest doubt about the measurement of the tests carried out, take advantage of an appointment at your Carglass® center near you to ask if a technician can test the charge of your battery. If a problem is detected on the battery, with a risk of breakdown, our experienced technicians can intervene on your vehicle to replace it with a suitable battery from the VARTA® brand, recognized for the quality of its products.
When should the car alternator be checked?
Present on all car models, the alternator is a generator consisting of a copper coil containing a magnet operated by the engine which drives the alternator belt. The energy produced is then stored in the battery. If it is flat, you can try to recharge the battery. If it still does not work, check the alternator before replacing the electric accumulator.
How do I test the alternator?
To check the alternator of all cars, you must use a multimeter. Position it on "voltmeter" and set it to direct current in 20 volt calibration. Connect the multimeter to the battery terminals, one lead at a time, making sure the leads do not touch each other. It is then necessary to measure the voltage of the battery with no load and cold engine. The voltage indicated on the voltmeter should be between 12.3 and 13.5 volts. If this is not the case, it must be recharged before continuing. Since the alternator only works when the engine is running, the car must then be started. Be sure to make sure the voltage displayed on the multimeter stabilizes before testing the alternator.
How to measure the results obtained?
If the multimeter reading is less than 13.2 volts, the alternator needs to be replaced. If the measurement is within a range of 13.2 to 14.8 volts, the alternator is operating normally. If the indicated voltage is higher than 14.8 volts, then you have a faulty alternator regulator. The car's electrical system is then at risk of overvoltage, which can cause damage to the vehicle's electrical devices. In this case, the problem is that the regulator is integrated into the alternator. It is therefore complicated to repair it. Even if it is not the alternator which is in question, it must be replaced.
If you do not have a multimeter or if you have the slightest doubt about the measurement of the tests carried out, take advantage of an appointment at your Carglass® center near you to ask if a technician can test the charge of your battery. If a problem is detected on the battery, with a risk of breakdown, our experienced technicians can intervene on your vehicle to replace it with a suitable battery from the VARTA® brand, recognized for the quality of its products.
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