What should I do if my alternator overcharges?
What should I do if my alternator overcharges?
The older type of fender-mounted regulator and a newer alternator that has the regulator inside of it will show the same types of overcharging symptoms. Newer alternators have computer controlled regulating devices. One such design uses a “temperature compensated” computer sensor.
How does an alternator affect the charging system?
The alternator is at the heart of the charging system of your vehicle. Alternator problems and charging system problems can affect your vehicle in different ways. You may notice: your ALT or CHARGE indicator light comes on, your engine is hard to start and cranks slowly, or doesn’t crank, your battery demands lots of water,
When do you need to replace the fuel gauge sender?
If your fuel gauge behaves erratically or is stuck on full or empty, you may need to replace the fuel gauge sender. 1. Fuel gauge behaves erratically 2. Fuel gauge stuck on empty 3. Fuel gauge stuck on full The fuel gauge sender is a component that is found in the gas tank of most road going vehicles.
Where is the voltage sensing wire on a GM 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. When converting from an external voltage regulator to an internal such as the 12-SI, many enthusiasts merely connect the Number 2 voltage sensing wire directly to the output terminal.
What happens when an alternator overcharges the battery?
Battery. Alternators that overcharge will typically produce excess voltage to the battery, making the battery case swell up, become very hot and lose its electrolyte through boiling. Improperly jump-starting the vehicle can send a surge through the battery that destroys one or more cells in the battery or shorts it out.
Is the alternator on my Buick overcharging?
I have a 2006 Buick LaCrosse with the 3.8 L motor. Last week I found out that the alternator was overcharging (charging at around 15.5-15.7 volts.) The car has 72000 miles on it.
What to look for in an alternator Charger?
Turn on all the loads (blower on high, headlights on, rear defrost on, and so forth). Measure the voltage across the battery and the big bat alternator terminal to alternator case. There are two things that you are looking for.
Why does my alternator have a low electrolyte level?
Low Battery Electrolyte Low battery electrolyte levels are a sign the alternator is overcharging the battery and is a result of the heat generated from overcharging causing the electrolyte to evaporate. As the electrolyte is depleted, the battery’s ability to hold an electrical charge diminishes, resulting in more heat and more electrolyte loss.
