Why is my car killing alternators?

Mechanically a pulley could be off-center and strain the alternator bearings. Or in older cars the tensioner may be adjusted too tightly. If it’s an electrical death, it could be using alternators from a poor source, like some of the marginal alternator recyclers.

What can affect alternator?

The major environmental factor affecting the life of your alternator is heat. Heat is the bane of most electrical equipment as it increases electrical resistance, which means parts or devices must work harder to produce the same output.

What keep killing my alternator?

Alternators put out alternating current, and the battery needs direct current to charge, so there is a voltage rectifier that converts it, and it can suddenly go bad, too. Dust and dirt can get into the alternator, and over time cause shorts or wear on the brushes.

Can a bad alternator stop the car while in motion?

By extension. The alternator itself won’t stop the engine from running, but a bad alternator will fail to produce the electricity to charge the battery which does make the engine operate. The engine could stop running while you are driving in this case.

What are the most common causes of alternator problems?

Common cause as the serpentine belt is under constant tension. Not replacing it on time, stuck alternator pulley or a faulty bearing are common causes of this problem. Worst thing about this problems is that it can snap at a moments notice. Main causes of alternator problems (at least from what I’ve seen) are:

Can a bad fuse cause an alternator to go bad?

Bad Fuse – Some vehicles use fuses to keep the alternator functional. These fuses blow out after a while or when there is a power surge. In these cases, your alternator would fail and your battery would not charge. If you have a bad alternator, look in the owner’s manual to see if there is a fuse in your car.

Why does my alternator not charge my battery?

There are lots of wires in the vehicle which deliver power to the alternator. If one of these wires were to become damaged or worn out, then it could cause the alternator to fail at its job and the battery to not get charged.

What happens if you replace the alternator in your car?

If an alternator fails, the car may still run for a short time on battery power. However, the engine will stall as soon as the battery charge is depleted. Replacing an alternator with a new OEM part is expensive, but there are alternatives. Read more below.

What causes an alternator belt to go bad?

The problem is that the alternator belt and pulleys are not too durable, which means they can easily break. Pulleys will typically last for a long time before they eventually get damaged from old age.

What causes an alternator to overcharge the battery?

Most alternators manufactured since the 1980s have internal voltage regulators, which can vary in design. If the electronics are of a cheap make, the voltage regulator can overcharge the battery or even destroy the electrical system of the car from extreme power surges.

What are the symptoms of a weak alternator?

Another symptom of a weak charging system is when the dash lights and headlights dim at idle, but become brighter when the engine is revved. This problem could be caused not only by a weak alternator, but also by a failing battery, poor connection at the battery terminals or a loose serpentine belt.