How do I tell what kind of alternator I have?

Look for the number on the alternator. If you can’t see the entire number, remove the adjustable bracket with a wrench. Take off the alternator and find the part number on it. Once you have the number, you have the identification of your alternator.

What do the numbers on an alternator mean?

Interpreting Alternator Output Ratings That means this alternator is capable of putting out 50A at the “low” test speed, which is either 1,500 RPM or “the idle speed of the engine,” depending on which standard you’re dealing with. The next number is 120, which is “IR” or the amperage output at the “rated” test speed.

How do I know what amperage my alternator is?

Alternator amp output test.

1. Clamp the ammeter around the positive output wire on the alternator.
2. Connect the carbon pile to the battery.
3. Zero out the ammeter (connect as above and perform the test with the vehicle off).
4. Start the vehicle and hold the engine at around 1,500 rpm.

Do alternators have serial numbers?

Alternator Serial Numbers. The first three or four numbers in the Serial Number identify the month (red) and year (green) of manufacture.

What are the 3 wires for on a alternator?

The three wire types in a three-wire alternator include the battery positive wire, the voltage sensing wire, and the ignition input wire. The battery positive wire connects to the starter. The voltage sensing wire connects to the battery, and the ignition wire connects from the alternator to the key switch.

Can an alternator be too powerful?

If you’re worried about a high amp alternator providing too much power to your ECU, or any other component in your electrical system, you don’t need to. The amperage rating on an alternator is basically just the amount of current that the unit is capable of putting out, not the amount it always puts out.

How many volts should alternator put out?

Read the voltage on the meter – Start the engine and observe the voltage on the meter. The voltage should read a minimum of 13 volts. A good alternator should put out between **13.5-14.5 volts. Stress test the alternator – Place a load on the alternator by turning on the headlights, the radio and the air conditioning.

How many watts is a car alternator?

Conventional alternator may only produce power for about 500 Watt to 600 Watt. But nowadays, a single alternator can produce power up to 2500 Watt, depending on the power demand.

What volts should an alternator put out?

Can I put a universal alternator in my car?

Unlike an OEM specific alternator, a universal alternator works on a variety of vehicle engines. The universal alternators are designed to meet or exceed the recommended engine specifications. A core charge is taken anytime you purchase an alternator from AutoZone.

Is my alternator a smart alternator?

If your readings are around 14.4V DC then then you most likely have the traditional, non-smart alternator. If your reading is closer to 12.5-13.5V then it’s likely that you have a smart alternator. If you do happen to have a smart alternator this isn’t an issue.

Where can I find the alternator number on my car?

If you need a replacement alternator, check the number written on the part so you can find the proper replacement with the same number. Look up the alternator in your vehicle owner’s guide. The information should be included under the parts and references section.

What are the parts of an alternator in a car?

Alternators may be just some small electrical generator but it can really pack a punch for your car. Your generic alternator is made up of four parts: the rotor, the stator, the diode packs and the voltage regulator.

What happens if you don’t have an alternator in your car?

Without the alternator you’d quickly burn through the charge in your system, which is why when the part stops working you may not be able to start your car at all. If you need a replacement alternator, check the number written on the part so you can find the proper replacement with the same number.

How much does it cost to replace an alternator in a car?

If you shop at CarParts.com, you can purchase an alternator replacement with a discounted price for as low as $6 to $2,000. Alternator prices vary depending on the brand, product’s amperage output, and whether it’s remanufactured or new. Alternators in the list also feature different pulley types with varying numbers of grooves.