Can a bad alternator leave a Chevy Silverado without power?
Can a bad alternator leave a Chevy Silverado without power?
A bad alternator can leave your Chevy Silverado without power and unable to move. Alternators don’t always go bad in the exact same way. We’ll cover the symptoms of when an alternator goes bad, and how to diagnose a bad one (which is really pretty easy).
What kind of electrical system does a Chevy Silverado have?
The 2500HD and 3500HD models are made for towing heavy loads. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is the more passenger friendly version that benefited from a redesign in 2007. Luckily, the electrical systems of all Silverados hit more than they miss.
How do you wire an alternator in a Chevy?
How to Wire a Chevy Alternator. Connect the #2 terminal to the positive terminal on the battery. This terminal can also be jumped directly to the BAT terminal. This line is used to regulate the power generated by the alternator. Attach the alternator fan belt to the pulleys on the engine and alternator.
What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?
In rare occasions the service engine soon light may light up. Also, some vehicles have an “alt” light that specifically tells you there is a problem with the charging system, and not the battery itself. Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator.
How big is the alternator in a Chevy Silverado 1500?
Shop AutoZone for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Alternator. Notes: 160 Amp. Designed for maximum durability 100% new Notes: 145 Amp. With 4 Pin alternator Plug. Available until stock is depleted. Designed for maximum durability 100% new Notes: 160 Amp. With 144mm (5 11/16″) Diameter alternator Case. Designed for maximum durability 100% new
In rare occasions the service engine soon light may light up. Also, some vehicles have an “alt” light that specifically tells you there is a problem with the charging system, and not the battery itself. Outside of the battery warning light, a dead battery is the most common symptom of a bad alternator.
The 2500HD and 3500HD models are made for towing heavy loads. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is the more passenger friendly version that benefited from a redesign in 2007. Luckily, the electrical systems of all Silverados hit more than they miss.
How to troubleshoot the electrical system in a Chevy?
When interior lights start flickering or just don’t want to work at all, your first step is to check fuses and relays. If that checks out, look for a loose wire connector. Don’t forget to check the ignition switch too. Examine the ground cable from the engine to the firewall, particularly if you’re experiencing more than one electrical problem.
When to replace alternator on Chevy Silverado GMT900?
So unless you like constantly jump starting your truck, you better replace that bad alternator. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT900 (2007-2013). The alternator is responsible for powering your truck while the engine is on. It’s also responsible for keeping the battery charged.
When do I need to replace my alternator in my truck?
The alternator is responsible for powering your truck while the engine is on. It’s also responsible for keeping the battery charged. If you’ve noticed that your battery isn’t getting charged or that the power gauge in your truck is showing unusual spikes, then you probably need to either rebuild or replace your alternator.
Can a bad alternator cause a car to go nowhere?
The ones that fail completely are easy to diagnose. The battery drains and you are stuck with a vehicle that goes nowhere. The challenge is diagnosing an alternator that is just not quite charging like it needs to be. You can easily diagnose it with almost any multimeter. Here’s what to do.
A bad alternator can leave your Chevy Silverado without power and unable to move. Alternators don’t always go bad in the exact same way. We’ll cover the symptoms of when an alternator goes bad, and how to diagnose a bad one (which is really pretty easy).
So unless you like constantly jump starting your truck, you better replace that bad alternator. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT900 (2007-2013). The alternator is responsible for powering your truck while the engine is on. It’s also responsible for keeping the battery charged.
The alternator is responsible for powering your truck while the engine is on. It’s also responsible for keeping the battery charged. If you’ve noticed that your battery isn’t getting charged or that the power gauge in your truck is showing unusual spikes, then you probably need to either rebuild or replace your alternator.
The ones that fail completely are easy to diagnose. The battery drains and you are stuck with a vehicle that goes nowhere. The challenge is diagnosing an alternator that is just not quite charging like it needs to be. You can easily diagnose it with almost any multimeter. Here’s what to do.
Do you need an alternator for a 12 volt car?
If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13’s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. It’s probably bad.
Why does my alternator not change the voltage?
If the voltage change and go back to normal when you tap it lightly with a hammer while the car is running – the Carbon brushes are worn out and needs to be replaced in the alternator, or the whole alternator. Sometimes there is an electrical problem in the alternator, and even if the voltage does not change, it might be damaged.
What does an alternator do in a Chevy Silverado?
The alternator’s job in your Silverado is to provide electricity as it is running. The battery stores enough voltage to be able to start the engine without the assistance of an alternator. It is turned by a serpentine belt.
What causes an alternator to overcharge 15 volts?
If one of the contact switches has stuck, it can produce an overcharge rate, typically 15 volts or more. 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.
What kind of energy does an alternator use?
It converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). It must supply enough electrical energy to the battery for recharging, along with maintaining sufficient voltage to run the vehicle’s accessories and components.
If you got 14.2 or more volts, the alternator is charging fine. If it’s still showing in the 12’s, it’s time to replace the alternator. If it’s producing a voltage level in the 13’s, go ahead and take it into a parts store and have it tested. It’s probably bad.
How to find the size of an alternator?
What size amp on alternator? Also can look on the inside of glove box lid at the Regular Production Option (RPO) code list decal and find the 3 digit code # with the letter K.. eg.. K65 is 105amp.. KD9 is 145 amp… Post ‘your’ number for more info. If needed.
How do you set the voltmeter on a Silverado?
Set it to read voltage. Specifically, you’ll need to set it to 20V DC. With your Silverado turned off, you’ll connect the negative side of the meter to the negative battery post or wire. You’ll then touch the positive side of the voltmeter to the positive battery wire.
When does the alternator drop below 14vdc?
I started the truck after installing the new alternator, and after idling for a little while the voltmeter dropped again to 13VDC! Ugh… Putting a multimeter on the terminals, when the gauge drops, my multimeter will read 12.81-12.98VDC while the engine is running. When the gauge is on 14VDC, the multimeter will read 14.1 or so.
Can a 15vdc alternator overcharge a car battery?
15VDC is not unheard of, I’ve seen it with my own truck, and the previous D****. The ECM should trigger a fault code on an overcharge condition…it should be able to turn the alternator off too. Alternator Overcharging? No the battery will only loose voltage when going bad.
How old is the alternator on my truck?
I never touched it, it’s only 14 months old, it’s a high amp 240amp alt. I don’t know if I messed something up while trying to get my truck started.
What should the voltage be on a GM alternator?
Ideal Voltage Output Ideally, the GM alternator should be putting out anywhere between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. A voltage regulator helps regulate the voltage that an alternator provides. If the voltage dips below the optimal range, then the regulator kicks in to get the alternator to make more voltage.
What’s the voltage regulator on my Silverado truck?
The truck now has 85,000 miles and on my way to go camping (about 125 mile trip one way) the voltage regulator dropped to around 11 or 12. Of course I panicked and found the nearest parts store to check for a bad alternator, they said all good no problems.
Do you need to replace the alternator on a Chevy Silverado?
The alternator is charging the battery that allows them to keep running. So if you need to replace your alternator, keep reading as this article will help you through the process. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado GMT800 (1999-2006).
What happens if you have a new alternator and the battery is not charging?
The alternator in your car is an integral part of your vehicle’s electrical system. If you have a new alternator and the battery is still not charging, then you definitely have some kind of a problem with your battery that you’ll need to address immediately.
