How to check car generator
(Baonghean.vn) - The generator in a car is responsible for charging the battery, generating electricity to serve all electrical devices... ensuring the vehicle's operation is stable and continuous. If the generator operates inefficiently, it will affect other parts of the vehicle. To overcome this situation, you should check the generator regularly with the following steps.
1. Locate the battery
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| When you notice that the vehicle is operating with suspicious signs, you need to open the hood and see where the battery is located in the car. The usual design will place the battery on the left or right side of the engine compartment or there are also some designs that place the battery under the middle seat. |
2. Measure battery voltage when the engine is off and on
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| After determining the exact location of the battery, use a specialized tool to measure the battery voltage when the engine is off or while the car is starting. Note that you must measure the battery with the correct polarity to determine whether the generator is still working properly or not. If you are not sure, you can ask for help from experienced people. |
3. Voltage comparison
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| If the voltage while the engine is running is higher than the voltage when the engine is off, the alternator is still working properly. Otherwise, the vehicle's alternator is definitely damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. |
* Signs of damage to car generator:
- Indicator light:The indicator light is to monitor the output voltage of the generator, when the output voltage is lower or higher than the allowable limit, the light will light up to give a warning to the driver.
- Headlights are dim, not as bright as before:This means that the alternator is not providing enough power for the car, so the headlights dim or stop working, followed by other signs such as heated seats, slow-working power windows. At this point, you can immediately think of a problem with your alternator.
- Pay close attention to any strange noises or smells that appear in the vehicle:For example: lost drive belt or re-adjustment of cylinder block, engine compartment, etc. If the belt is broken or cracked excessively, this may be a sign of damage.