Posts Tagged battery
Car Alternator Problem
Posted on June 25, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
Having problems starting the car? Than maybe you have an alternator problem. The alternator is one of the main parts of your car’s electrical system. It recharges the battery while the car is running and powers the lights and other electrical peripherals. If the car seems to cause you troubles, than you have two options: the alternator, or the battery. After long use, alternators need replacing. It is important to be aware of alternator’s condition and also of the car battery.
To begin with, make a list of possible faults that may help you to diagnose a bad alternator. The typical symptoms are difficult or slow cranking when you attempt to start the engine, weak headlights, high battery consumption (which you’ll get notified about on the dashboard).
Open the hood and locate the alternator and also the belts connected to the alternator. The entire contraption will be in front of the engine, right next to the car radiator.
Verify the alternator corresponding light on your dashboard and see if it is working. The light should be on when the engine starts. On some models even failure will switch on another light associated with the alternator.
The easiest solution is to check for bad or worn belts that could cause low rotation to your alternator. This prevents the battery from charging properly, especially if you have your headlights, air conditioner or car stereo on. Another simple solution would be to check the alternator and battery connections, battery terminals or possible worn out ground connections. All these could cause electrical discharges that weaken battery and make them unable to spark the engine properly.
Watch out for possible cracks or glazing when the engine is cold. These may cause the belt to slip from the turning wheel, and once again not charging your battery, regardless of the healthy body of the alternator. Adjust any looseness in the belt but, carefully and always consulting your service manual instructions.
The next step would be the inspection of the battery’s voltage and connections while the engine is on idling. Using an electronic voltmeter, locate a tension reading between 13.8 and 15 volts (analogical ones cost more, but are better at visualizing tension spikes or variations). If the reading goes under 13 volts, than your alternator is malfunctioning.
You can verify your electric connections by connecting a circuit with a lamp inside from power to ground and the other way around to see if the bulb lights. For those who have light, the connections between your battery along with other components are working properly. Next step is to look into the connections from the battery through your alternator. For those who have light, the battery is working and charging accordingly, therefore your alternator may probably be the cause of all the problems.
Listen for any loud and grinding noise caused by the rotor failing within the alternator. Take one end from the heater hose and set it alongside to your ear while moving the other end near to the alternator. The amount will increase drastically when the alternator is faulty. In this instance the only thing you should do is try to get an alternative. The alternator is easy to spot and inspect, but taking it apart, that’s one other issue. Try to take the car as soon as possible to some certified mechanic.
DIY Engine Repair Tips
Posted on June 21, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
No matter how well you take care of your car, all vehicles are bound to need repairs at one time or another. However, you can minimize the cost of repairing these problems through proper maintenance and repair, especially if the problems are minor and can be worked on from the comfort of your own driveway!
Keeping your car safe for you, your passengers, and other drivers is the most essential do-it-yourself engine repair information to know. The car engine is the core component of any vehicle. A simple error could result in any number of problems. Most people who are new to the do-it-yourself engine repair techniques tend to be quite eager to delve into the problem without taking the proper precautions. For instance, before you begin any form of engine repair, it is essential that you disconnect the car battery. However, many novices forget this step in their rush to fix the problem, which could result in injury or more engine damage.
A sputtering engine can spell disaster especially if not taken care of immediately. In most cases, a faulty engine component is the cause of engine sputter – which can be heard and felt while driving. Decreased engine power and strange noises may indicate a faulty spark plug, distributor cap, rotor, or other engine parts. For example, a hissing sound may indicate engine overheating while a popping sound with slow acceleration can indicate a clogged air filter.
In most situations, one may find the problem lies with faulty spark plugs. Whenever spark plugs require changing, one has to ensure that the engine is completely off before doing anything. Check for any burned spark plug insulation wires. Poor or damaged wires may prevent the spark from reaching the cylinder. If the spark plug’s electrodes are eroded, they will require replacement. When buying spark plug replacements, one has to ensure that they are the best suited for the performance requirements of the engine.
In modern cars, the engine problems are often of an electrical nature. Electrical engine problems are significantly harder to diagnose and fix, especially for amateurs. However, the basic tools that one should have to diagnose problems are the engine’s car manual and an auto scan tool.
The auto scan tool scans the electrical problem and traces it back to the source. The source is indicated by a code which is further explained in the manual. However, if one is still unable to deduce the electrical problem, you should know when to call the repair shop and ask an expert.