In most of today\u2019s newer vehicles, you can scroll through many of your engine\u2019s important vital signs through the dashboard screen. Take note that if a missing fan belt has caused the issue, your air conditioner and power steering may also be affected, as well as an overheated engine, as they all share the same belt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding the Alternator System <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
This small but vital component has an important part to play. Even when your ride isn\u2019t actively running, the battery continues charging everything. However, once you turn the key, the alternator clocks in. It\u2019s responsible for powering your headlights, electric steering, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard instruments<\/a> and sound system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And of course, the battery is also working while<\/em> you drive! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Key components of an alternator include: pulley, rotor, stator, voltage regulator and rectifier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a pulley and drive belt, the alternator\u2019s rotor shaft spins magnets located in a coil, causing alternating current (AC) in the stator. This current moves along to the rectifier, where it is transformed into a DC current that powers the car\u2019s electrical systems. <\/p>\n\n\n Alternators are designed to last. In many cases, you\u2019ll never need to repair or switch out your car\u2019s alternator. In some instances, the design of a car\u2019s electrical systems and its needs may cause the alternator to work harder than normal. It\u2019s possible to switch out your part with one equipped with higher amperage if that happens to be the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The belt that powers this key part does need to be replaced, but it\u2019s a simple fix and inexpensive. If you ever do need to replace your alternator, the best way is to replace the belt at the same time to reduce your hourly labor charge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since this piece is responsible for regulating the electrical current, it\u2019s important to understand when it may need to be replaced. Too much voltage can damage a sensitive system. Too little and \u2026 well, we\u2019ve already talked about being stranded on the side of the road<\/a>. You may get some warning signs when the voltage regulator is misbehaving: warning lights, dim lighting systems, car battery issues and you know those weird flickering lights in the horror movie? If that starts happening inside your car, you better get it checked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The better choice is to always check your car out when you notice any factors indicating electrical problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of parts that will wear out and need replacing at various times. The belt is made of flexible rubber and can become dry and cracked. Also known as the serpentine belt, if you don\u2019t replace it when necessary, you\u2019ll begin to lose functionality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because problems with a faulty alternator can present similarly to other issues (hello, dead battery), there are some simple tests you can do at home to narrow down the bad actor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To check if your problem is a bad alternator or the battery, jumpstart your engine. If it continues to run, it\u2019s most likely a battery problem. If it doesn\u2019t, probably blame the alternator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a voltage meter, you can check your output at home. Just set the meter to DC, turn the engine off and connect the meter to the battery. It should be about 12.5 volts. When the engine is on, you should get a reading of 13.5 to 14.5 volts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, take your vehicle to an auto parts store or your favorite professional mechanic and ask them to check the voltage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A failing regulator can cause other issues if it isn\u2019t caught early and fixed. Some of your vehicle\u2019s electrical components, such as the water and fuel pumps, power steering and more can be damaged. What started out as a doable service repair could turn into a complete engine overhaul. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s OK to choose a refurbished or used alternator to save some money if you need to replace this vital part. If you are handy, you can buy a rebuild kit for around $30 to $60 and do it yourself. Most people look at all the factors and choose to take it to a car repair shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Comprehensive auto coverage is like a well-oiled and working alternator. It takes care of many aspects of being safe on the road. At Freeway, we are interested in helping you take care of your vehicle \u2013 as well as letting us take care of you. Check us out online for a free online quote for car insurance<\/a>, give us a call at (800) 777-5620<\/a> or stop by one of our convenient locations<\/a> for a chat. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rebuilding a problematic alternator is something many hobby mechanics used to do at home in the garage. Not so much, anymore, with all the new-fangled computerized systems. It\u2019s a job best left to the professionals at your local repair shop. The average alternator replacement cost is between $400 and $500 for modern vehicles. That covers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002598,"featured_media":10091,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,78],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002598"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10089"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10096,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10089\/revisions\/10096"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10089"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=10089"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=10089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Key Components <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Charging System <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/01\/freeway-alternator2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nWhy do Alternators Fail? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wear and Tear <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bad Voltage Regulator <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Belt and Pulley Issues <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Check for Problems <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Test the Charging System <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Checking the Voltage <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why You Shouldn\u2019t Wait to Repair\u202f <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alternator Repair vs. Alternator Replacement <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protect Your Vehicle with Comprehensive Coverage from Freeway Insurance <\/h2>\n\n\n\n