Before moving forward to this article’s main crux and notion, I would like to briefly introduce you to the definition and primary function of the Alternator. This is for the ones who are not aware of it. The Alternator is one of the components of your vehicle’s starting system. So, “the Alternator is an electrical component that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is required to produce electrical energy for charging the car battery and to power vehicle electrical burden when its engine is running”.
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The Function of the Alternator
The Alternator has a vital job as it powers all the electrical elements in your car. Any issue in it will discontinue the electrical functioning of your vehicle. The primary function of the Alternator is to charge a car battery so that other electrical components in the car can be powered. When the battery is charged, it provides electrical power to start the vehicle.
An electrical product or a component has a particularly useful life expectancy and a limit to rebuilding. Some might be replaced instantly when wear and tear occur to avoid the risk of low efficiency. Some with several reconstructed attempts work as efficiently as a new one.
Common Symptoms of a Faulty Alternator
Now, referring specifically to the alternators, a question might arise, can an alternator be rebuilt? Before switching to the answer to the question, what is more, important to know is the cause of rebuilding the Alternator.
Surprisingly, in most cases, you never know if the problem arising is due to a faulty alternator. So, it is vital to know the symptoms of a defective alternator. This is required to fix it on time to circumvent more significant damage. There are several signs which indicate malfunctioned Alternator. One of the most common symptoms that often occur in a vehicle charging system is that the battery icon warning light in the dashboard will be on while driving.
Usually, the warning light will be on when the car ignition is on. It will turn off as soon as the car engine is started. This indicates there is an issue with your engine charging system. This warning light will never say the Alternator prominently is the trouble. So, It is mandatory to get your engine examined by the license at this very moment. Other common symptoms of a defective alternator include the dim lighting of dashboard lights and headlights at idle. It becomes more sparkling when the engine is ignited due to a debilitated alternator, bad battery, imperfect battery linking, or a loose serpentine belt.
Other common symptoms
Malfunctioning instruments and gauges are another common cause of defective alternators. In addition, if you notice a smell that resembles a burning rubber or a high-pitched or buzzing sound coming from under the hood, a faulty bearing inside the Alternator could cause. In such a scenario, you should probably have your Alternator checked. Other common symptoms to not be overlooked are worn contact rings, worn carbon brushes, and a failing voltage regulator. The power windows rolled up and down slower than usual. Resolving a faulty alternator early at the first signs of the problem ensures things don’t stop working entirely. This also saves you from replacing the Alternator, which will cost you more.
Can an Alternator Be Rebuilt?
They are now coming to the previously asked question of whether You can rebuild an alternator. So, the answer to this query is that alternators are one of the few parts that You can reuse with rehauling safely. The extent of reconditioning depends on the severity of the problem in the Alternator. This severity only can be acknowledged and refurbished by a professional or a qualified licensed person. He will also issue a specified warranty along with it.
Home Tests to Check Alternator
Before getting your Alternator checked by a professional, you should conduct two simple tests to test if an alternator is working correctly. For this, you will first need to have a multimeter, which is used to measure the current, voltage, and resistance. It costs around $15 and $100 for a basic and one with more functions, respectively. Test the battery; 12.6 V is a standard number. It should not drop far below this range. If it is below 12.2 V, your battery is only half-charged.
Check if it is way too much than the expected standard, then it shows that it may result in a blown alternator or a battery. If it is low, you unhook the battery and charge it. Let it sit overnight by first disconnecting it from the charger when it is complete. Test it again in the morning, and if it’s still low, the primary issue is the lousy battery. After testing the battery, you will now test the Alternator. First, start your engine since this is when the Alternator is functioning. Directly connect the multimeter probes to the battery, similar to the previous test. The reading should be between 13.8 V to 14.4 V. Your Alternator is malfunctioning if the assignment is outside the given range. At this point, you will require to either repair or replace it.
What to Do, Replace or Repair Alternator, What Costs More?
After knowing the condition of your Alternator when tested at home, the next point to consider is whether to repair the Alternator or replace it. You will get it checked by a professional who will tell you the actual condition—repairing or replacing costs a person differently. You can never wish to restore it to save the price when you must return it. A repair is not possible in some instances. Replacement can cost a person around $500 to $1,000 (including parts and labor), obviously directly depending on what car you have, whereas simply repairing it like, similar to replacing an alternator belt, will cost a person not less than $100 to $150 (not including diagnosis).
This implies that repair costs are lower than replacing costs if repairing is done with a 100% warranty, the same as a new one. Repairing an alternator is cheaper than entirely replacing it for minor repair requirements. But it is better to replace it if the Alternator was previously repaired and hasn’t given efficiency as a new one. In such a case, replacement is a must.
How Long Does It Take To Rebuild an Alternator?
It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, or a day to change an alternator as the Alternator goes terrible for different reasons. Therefore, the best you can do to keep the vehicle safe from any unexpected damages and extra costs is to keep check of your vehicle’s condition regularly and know the reasons for the vehicle’s behavior by getting it examined by a professional and then take measures accordingly.
