​

Sydney auto installs can test your alternator charge rate, replace or recondition the alternator if needed and test your vehicle battery.

 

A car alternator is located in your engine bay and it’s purpose is to power the electrical system while the engine is running as well as recharging the battery.

 

Symptoms that your alternator requires replacement could be

 

1. Having problems with your battery

2. Can not start your car

3. Battery light is on the dashboard

4. Car stopping while driving

5. Electrics in vehicle like radio, clock and windscreen wipers not working

 

The service and repair cost will differ depending on the make and model of the vehicle and also which components require repairs if we consider reconditioned options.

​

Other items that may be considered when replacing your alternator are

 

1. Fan belts

2. Fusible links

3. Globes

4. Battery

​

Upon inspection of your vehicle we will be able to provide you a detailed quotation of the parts and labour required to repair your vehicle.

​

What is an alternator in a car?

​

The alternator is the major component in the vehicles charging system. The alternator is one of three major components in the charging system, the other two being the regulator and battery. Combined all three of these components generate electric power which is used by all parts of the electric circuits in your vehicle.

 

What does an alternator do?

​

The vehicle alternator produces electricity for the vehicles electrical circuits and also provides sufficient power to also recharge the vehicle battery.

​

Every vehicles alternator circuit is configured for the vehicles requirements to ensure there is enough power for the vehicle and also to recharge the battery. This is done through the alternator’s regulator. The regulator can be internal or managed by the vehicles ECU. When a regulator fails it can cause the vehicles circuit to be overcharging or undercharging.

​

Does your alternator charge your battery?

​

The alternator does charge the vehicles battery at all times.

​

If you have to many accessories fitted to the vehicle you may need to consider a higher output alternator. This is common in older vehicles where a larger engine is installed to a vehicle or high performance parts are installed like a MSD ignition system.

​

What can cause an alternator to fail?

​

There are several symptoms you will notice when a car alternator begins to fail. This could be an intermittent fault or a present fault. You may notice your headlights being dim or if the vehicle is overcharging it may blow the headlight globes.

​

The most common sign is the battery light on the dashboard, this is the symbol on the dash that is in the shape of a battery. This symbol only comes on when there is an issue with the charging system on your vehicle.

​

When the alternator circuit is working the battery light will appear with the vehicle ignition on but will then disappear once the vehicle engine is on.

​

Other items that could fail on your alternator are

​

1. Worn bearings

2. Drive belts worn or not adjusted correctly

3. Blown fuse

4. Faulty stator

5. Faulty diode

6. Wiring harness problems

7. Worn slip ring

8. Dirty contacts

​

Will my vehicle start with a bad alternator?

​

If your alternator is faulty the vehicle may not start if the battery has not been fully charged. You may be able to jump start the vehicle with a good battery but there is a high possibility the vehicle will switch off once the battery is depleted.

​

When jump starting a vehicle you must be cautious to connect the battery in the correct polarity. We recommend having a technician look at your vehicle as soon as you are having issues with your battery.

 

Sydney Auto Installs will be able to diagnose what the problem is and offer you a quotation on the repair. As we are a mobile business we are able to come to you whether your vehicle is at your home, at your workplace or broken down in a street nearby.