A car’s headlights, the ignition coils, engine cooling fans and other non-essential things as the radio, air conditioning fans, and other things all need to somehow be powered up by an electrical system. All of that power has to come from somewhere!! A lot of people might think that power comes from the battery, and that is true to some extent. But the real answer is that the power really comes from gasoline in your gas tank, and the link from the gas tank to the battery is that mysterious thing called the alternator. It takes mechanical power from the crankshaft, transmits it via a “fan” belt or serpentine belt and turns the alternator. Simply put, the main function of the alternator is to convert power from the gasoline engine that drives you along the road, to electrical energy to keep the battery in tip-top condition.
Batteries do much more than start your vehicle’s engine. Today’s vehicles are packed with energy-hungry features like power windows and power seats – not to mention the countless phone and device chargers that drivers bring on board! K&G can help you choose a battery that fits your lifestyle, your climate, your vehicle and your budget. Installation of a new Battery - K&G will safely recycle your old battery and install your new Battery.
Battery Testing - Regular testing of your car's battery can help prevent unwanted surprises down the road. K&G will test your vehicle's battery and advise you of its condition. Battery Cable Replacement - Don't get stuck in the parking lot because of failed battery cables. We will inspect your vehicle's battery cables and replace when necessary.
Alternator Test and Replacement - Trouble with your vehicle's charging system? Before you buy a new battery, check out the alternator first. K&G will test the alternator. If operating improperly, will inspect the wiring, pulley belt, and other components and replace components or alternator as necessary.
Starter Test and Replacement - You turn the key and hear only a click sound. Don't panic. K&G will bench test your vehicle's starter motor and replace as necessary.
Car starting System
If when you turn the key to the "Start" position, you hear the starter cranking as usually, but the car doesn't start, then the problem is most likely not with the starting system.
If when you turn the ignition key to the "Start" position and nothing happens, or all you hear is just a click, or the starter cranks very slow then you probably have a problem with one of the component of the starting system. Most often, it's the battery or the starter motor itself.
1. What happens when the alternator goes bad?
At first, nothing. That is because the battery has some reserve power in it, enough to keep the engine running for quite some time and for many miles. A bad alternator doesn’t necessarily mean a tow truck should be called right away. As long as energy is conserved elsewhere, like turning off the blower motor, the rear window de-fogger, the stereo and the headlights (if possible), you could make it for some distance on just the battery reserve alone. Once the battery loses its charge, there will not be sufficient voltage to keep the engine running.
2. How does an alternator work?
In general, alternators fail in stages. An alternator only job is to generate alternating current (AC). Since the battery can’t use alternating current, the alternator output is fed into what are called diodes, which convert the AC into DC. The alternator has a unique feature in that it is able to generate a relatively high voltage while the engine is at idle. The old generators needed to be running at a fast pace before they got up to 13 or 14 volts. The alternator can do this since it is really three alternators in one body. Each of the three sections of the alternator generates its voltage out of phase with the other two sections. Since the complete cycle (one revolution) of the alternator is 360 degrees, each phase is shifted by 120 degrees from the next phase. So in one revolution of the alternator it puts out three separate voltages.
3. What causes an alternator to go bad?
Since each of the three phases in an alternator has its own windings and each of the windings has its own pair of diodes, each of these windings and/or diodes can fail, one set at a time. If this happens the alternator can still charge the battery, but only with a limited current, approximately 2/3 of its original capacity if one system fails. If two systems fail, then it puts out only 1/3 of its rated capacity. What that means to you is that you can go a long time on a limping alternator. Chances are if you don’t need headlights or air conditioning or other high current using accessories, you would never know that the alternator was in the process of failing! The time you will find out is when it is 10 below zero and you wear down the battery by cranking the starter, then put the fan on high for heat, and then drive in the dark.
4. Is there a quicker and easier way to detect a failing alternator?
Yes and it is summarized in one word: Noise. The rotor inside the alternator rotates on bearings, normally very high precision needle bearings, and these can fail. When they do you will hear a loud grinding noise associated with the alternator. To isolate the noise take a length of tubing and put one end to your ear and move the other around in the vicinity of the alternator. To further isolate the noise, disconnect the drive belt and spin the alternator by hand. If you hear a rumble or grinding noise then the bearings are shot.
5. I think my alternator is bad. Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, feel free to call us at 502-222-2683 K&G Tire Pros prides itself in offering the best mechanic service at the most affordable price.