What Causes a New Alternator To Go Bad ; Charging dynamo systems in vehicles primarily provide electrical power to the ignition system through a negatively grounded battery and secondarily to accessory systems. The charging dynamo, an improvement over previous generator systems, is designed to provide up to 15 amperes of power under full load. The technical name for the charging dynamo is alternator. Various components of an alternator can wear out and malfunction, and since most alternators are not maintained by users, they often require the replacement of the entire unit. In this article, you can learn in detail What Causes a New Alternator To Go Bad? and what happens if it does.

What Causes a New Alternator To Go Bad?

1. Internal Plate Failures: When a charging dynamo starts to malfunction, it gradually shows this to the vehicle owner. The charging dynamo produces power by rotating three metal plates along a copper wire coil. These plates can fail one by one, causing the power output to drop to levels that do not sufficiently charge the battery and disrupt the ignition system. To understand this, regularly test the battery voltage with a voltage tester while the vehicle is running; this can indicate whether the plates or other components are worn. Most automotive parts stores offer free testing of alternators and batteries, and if the voltage drops below 12 volts under load or the amperage drops below 11 amps, the charging dynamo may be faulty.
2. Battery Issues: Often, a charging dynamo can fail due to the stress caused by a dying or already dead battery. The typical duty cycle of an alternator is to charge the battery while the vehicle is running and continue to power accessories such as the air conditioning or lighting system. Charging the battery at maximum capacity for days or even weeks can rapidly wear out a charging dynamo; the unit tries to recharge a large load, an aging battery, instead of acting as an energy bank. The battery’s charge will be approximately 12 volts and can exceed 14 volts during charging. This can be reduced with accessories, but under normal use, the voltage should not drop below 12 volts (except when starting the vehicle).
3. Failure of Moving Parts: Inside the charging dynamo, there is a rotor that rotates on a series of ball bearings. As these bearings wear out, it can lead to noise problems and operational issues. This can result in a terrible noise that can turn into a constant squealing sound, possibly overpowering the sound of the running engine and even the car’s stereo music system. The only solution for a severely worn charging dynamo is to replace it. Alternatively, companies that specialize in charging dynamo repairs can replace these bearings. You can decide which option to choose based on the cost. While charging dynamo replacement is always the cleaner solution, depending on the cost, the second option may be preferred depending on the condition of the charging dynamo.
4. Failure Due to Installation Issues: The motor body, where the charging dynamo is installed, serves as a negative ground, and the usual mounting method involves connecting it to the vehicle’s chassis with a large cable. This cable is secured with a single bolt and is known to occasionally loosen or break its connection. When the charging dynamo loses its grounding, it can be damaged due to fluctuation, causing significant damage to the voltage regulator inside. Most alternators produced since the 1980s have internal voltage regulators that can vary in design. If the electronics are from a cheap brand, the voltage regulator can overcharge the battery or even damage the vehicle’s electrical system due to excessive power fluctuations. Tighten the grounding cable or braided strip to the alternator socket and check it regularly.
5. Belt and Tensioner Issues: A worn or damaged drive belt can cause the charging dynamo’s pulley to slip, reducing the unit’s voltage. This is usually accompanied by a high squealing noise, but in some cases, the sound can be thin and barely audible, almost unnoticed. A slipping belt can cause the charging dynamo system to charge inadequately, eventually deplete the battery, and lead to the malfunction of the charging dynamo.

There can be dozens of other fault scenarios and reasons that may arise. However, these problems listed are the main issues that automotive repair technicians most commonly encounter.

Consequences of Charging Dynamo Failure:

• The ignition coil system operates irregularly.
• Your battery may run out.
• The vehicle may not start.
• There may be hesitation and performance issues.
• Current fluctuations can damage accessories.
• Issues in the belt and bearing system can lead to the failure of vital engine components.
• If components such as the circulation pump stop, the vehicle may overheat.

Charging dynamo failure is a critical issue that can lead to many serious problems and should not be neglected. If you have any doubts, it is recommended to take your vehicle to a service center for diagnosis as soon as possible.

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