Types of Alternator Problems

The alternator is the main source of power for a vehicle. It keeps the battery charged which in turn powers the majority of everything else in and on a car. If the alternator malfunctions or quits working then your vehicle will suffer.

Alternators can have serious problems, and these problems can cause further issues for you vehicle. Bad alternators can harm a car's battery, electrical components and even the motor. Here are some types of problems you can encounter with alternators.

• An alternator can have an inability to produce a charge to the vehicle's battery.

An alternator consists of a pulley and a magnet that makes power. This power is conducted to a battery of a car or other vehicle. If either the pulley or the magnet malfunctions the alternator will not be able to keep the battery charged.

• An alternator can overcharge a battery.

All alternators have a voltage regulator. This is the component within the part that keeps the voltage regulated between 13.8 volts and 14.4 volts. If the voltage regulator is not working the rate at which a battery is charged is uncontrolled thus leading to overcharging.

• An alternator can completely stop working.

Alternators can be very tricky vehicle components. The two types of problems mentioned above have specific causes, but there are times even the most advance mechanics cannot figure out the exact reason for a malfunction of an alternator. It is common for the part to quit working without warning or reason.