Checking the car alternator

Electrical equipment failure– a frequent cause of malfunction. The generator is the main source of electricity. If the alternator breaks down, that source can become the battery for a while. To prevent the generator from breaking down, it is advisable to regularly check the performance of electrical units on a bench. By testing the alternator on a bench, the cause of the breakdown can be easily identified, so the technician can quickly fix it.

What are some alternator failures

Generator breakdowns can be mechanical or electrical. Mechanical failure can include the integrity of the housing, fasteners, bearings, clutch and pulley. Electrical faults – winding short circuit, violation of the diode bridge and voltage regulator relay. The following signs can be used to identify an impending breakdown:

• A dim, blinking headlight;
• The battery discharge warning light switching on or blinking when the engine is running;
• The presence of extraneous (knocking, whistling) sounds;
• Permanent discharge of the battery

If not dealt with immediately, the consequences can be very bad, up to and including burning wiring.

The battery and the alternator work together. The main power source – the alternator, the battery is the backup power source and is needed first to start the engine. A timely auto alternator diagnosis will improve your driving safety.

An alternator is the main source of power – the alternator is the backup power source and is needed first to start the engine.

Car alternator diagnostics

In order to diagnose modern alternators, auto repair shops use special testers and benches to check alternators and starters MSG Equipment. Outdated diagnostic techniques can cause over-voltage, leading to the failure of all on-board electronics. Therefore, a modern diagnostic method involves measuring the on-board voltage or testing the removed assembly on a bench.

If the driver's knowledge of electrical engineering is at the level of high school, it is better to entrust the repair of the generator and starter to the specialists of the service station. The first thing to do is to check the alternator for brush wear. Brushes can wear out due to long operation or distortion of the rotor shaft. Various stands are used for checking, which differ in the limits of maximum load. The MS002 COM is used to diagnose starters and alternators up to 200A. The MS004 COM test bench checks starters and generators up to 100A, all types of passenger and commercial vehicles and lorries not at full capacity. Stand MS004 COM is more compact, so it is often used in small or garage car service centres.

It's clear that diagnosing alternators and starters using improvised methods – ineffective. Without special equipment, it is difficult to identify the cause of the breakdown. We do not recommend to deal with electrical equipment breakdowns on your own – it may become a trigger for other faults and lead to loss of warranty.

When you go to a car service centre for starter and alternator testing, pay attention to what equipment is there. The key to a quality and fast repair – using modern MSG Equipment diagnostic benches.

See MSG Equipment.