The alternator in your Chevy uses electromagnetic energy to create electricity to power your car’s devices. It’s powered by the turning of the crankshaft as your car moves. Your alternator is a very strong component, but it can get damaged. If you have an alternator problem in McGregor, TX, your Chevy dealer is here to help. These are a few of the signs that you’re going to need an alternator repair.
Damaged Rectifier
The alternator generates all of your car’s electrical power. As the crankshaft turns, it causes the alternator belt to run across a series of pulleys. These pulleys power several components, including the alternator. As the alternator pulley spins, it spins a collection of magnets in the center of the alternator. These magnets generate electromagnetic energy.
The energy produced by the alternator is AC, but your car’s electrical systems require DC. The electromagnetic energy is captured by the stator and transferred to the rectifier. The rectifier converts AC to DC, which is then supplied to your electrical system. If the rectifier fails, the energy generated by the alternator will be wasted. Our technicians can replace the rectifier, and your alternator will work correctly again.
Damaged Wiring
All the power generated by your alternator needs to be transferred to the components that require it. A system of cables and wires transmits power to all of my our car’s systems. These wires are protected against damage by plastic and rubber coverings. Wiring, however, can wear out and fail. A break in a wire will cut off power to one or more of the components.
The loss of power to a component will cause the alternator to send more power to try and reactivate the component. Power can’t be transmitted through a broken wire. The additional power sent through the wires will cause the wires to heat up. If these wires get too hot, they can start to burn. Burning wires will also burn the plastic and rubber insulation. We can find and fix the damaged wiring.
Worn Alternator
As your alternator gets older, it gets weaker. A healthy alternator generates 14.5 volts of power, but this will gradually fall as the alternator weakens. You’ll start to notice strange glitches in the electrical system. These glitches occur when the available power level drops below the minimum demanded by the electrical system.
The weaker your alternator becomes, the more problems your car will face. A low level of power generation will also affect your car’s battery. The battery depends on the alternator to recharge it. A weak alternator, however, won’t have the power to fully recharge your battery. The battery will slowly grow weaker, and will eventually fail.
Alternators don’t usually fail under normal conditions. Parts on them, however, can malfunction or wear out. If you experience any problems with your alternator in McGregor, call our service department at Jim Turner Chevrolet. Our Chevrolet-trained technicians at our McGregor repair shop can fix any problem with your alternator and keep it running perfectly.
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