Alternator

Is the red battery light on?  Is the voltage gauge showing too low or too high?  Is the ammeter always in the discharge zone?  Does the alternator whine?  Does the battery keep running down? If so, you have alternator problems. 

However, an alternator problem does not mean the alternator is bad. You could have a bad voltage regulator, a blown fuse, a broken wire or, on some vehicles, a faulty computer!

The alternator is the heart of vehicle electrical system.  Driven by a belt, it generates the electricity to run the electrical system of your vehicle and to recharge the battery.   The alternator makes alternating current (A.C.) (same as you get out of a wall plug, just a less electrical pressure for safely) but vehicle run on direct current (D.C.).  To make an alternator work on a D.C. system, the electricity is converted (rectified) inside the alternator.

The alternator is controled by a voltage regulator.  The voltage regualtor is usually built into the alternator, or it can be seperate or it may be a function of the same computer that controls the engine.

If you have alternator problems, bring your vehicle to Clearview Tire & Auto Service for a correct diagnosis and professional guaranteed repairs which includes our Certified Auto Repair Nationwide Warranty.  We're in Hopkinsville, not far from Ft. Campbell and we've been here since 1952. Most repairs include one year FREE towing and roadside assistance, good 24/7 coast-to-coast.

See Batteries Alternators and Starters for more information.