Do I have to disconnect the battery to change the alternator?

Disconnect the battery. Never work in the engine bay of a vehicle without first disconnecting the battery for safety. Working on the alternator without disconnecting the battery could result in getting shocked or damaging the vehicle. You can leave the positive cable attached.

What are the two wires connected to the alternator?

The two wires connected to the alternators are the positive and negative cables.

How do I change my alternator output?

Selecting different sized diodes can alter the output regulation of the alternator. A smaller diode will increase the charge voltage by more than a larger diode (due to the voltage drop varying with the diode current).

Can you test an alternator with the car off?

First, test it with the engine turned off. Turn the engine off. Turn on your voltage meter and set it to DC volts. Connect the positive lead to the positive terminal (+) on the battery, then connect the negative lead to the negative terminal (-) on the battery.

Can you connect an alternator directly to a battery?

Attach a cable directly from the alternator output post to the positive side of the battery. This allows for full output from the alternator to the battery when heavy electrical demands are placed on the alternator.

Can an alternator be too powerful?

No, you will not overcharge a battery with a higher amperage alternator. The battery provides a variable load to the alternator. Let’s say the battery is at 11.4 volts and nominal is around 12.5. When you start the motor, the alternator will provide the max amperage to your battery for it to reach say 85% capacity.

What is the highest output alternator?

The highest 12 volt produced by Prestolite Leece-Neville is the J-180 mount 4890JB and Pad Mount 4962PA both of which put out 320 amps. When it comes to 24 volt alternators there is one manufacturers that really stands out – C.E. Niehoff has their 500 Amp C-803D.

What do you need to change an alternator?

Remove the main power cable from the alternator. The main power cable will be the thick cable attached to the alternator that runs from the battery. Depending on how much space you have in your specific vehicle, you may be able to use a ratchet, but in some, you may only be able to fit an open-ended wrench.

How do you remove the alternator harness from a car?

Remove the harness from the alternator. The harness is removed by pressing the locking tab on the harness and pulling it out. Clip all of the wires going into the harness. Strip about 1/2 inch of the wire cover off of the wire on the wires in the car and the new harness using the wire stripper.

Where is the charge warning light on a GM alternator?

But this is not a simple bolt-on conversion. The 10- and 12-SI units use a different two-wire connector plug on the rear of the alternator. The Number 1 wire on the 10- or 12-SI is connected to the charge warning light on the dash. The Number 2 wire is what is called the voltage sensing wire.

What kind of battery charger do I need for my alternator?

This alternator (10-DN), uses a flat, two-prong connection at the back of the alternator. The other main connection on the alternator is the output terminal that charges the battery. The least expensive upgrade from the 10-DN would be to step up to a 10-SI or 12-SI.

How do I loosen the bolts on my alternator?

Loosen the bolts on the alternator if there is no auto-tensioner. In cars without an auto-tensioner pulley, you can relieve the tension on the belt simply by loosening the two bolts that secure the alternator to the engine. These will often require a 14mm or 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) socket, though you may need to try others.