How to check the generator and make sure it is charging properly? we offer!
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Many drivers are wondering how to check the charging of the generator. It's not too hard, but it usually takes two people to do it. Don't worry, they don't need to be familiar with auto mechanics or electrics. To measure, a simple multimeter purchased in a large supermarket, for example, in a hardware store, is enough.
What should be charging in the car?
I wonder what should be charging in the car? Typically, automotive installations require a 12V battery. Therefore, the alternator must be charged at 14.4 V. This is to ensure that the power consumers have sufficient current while the battery is being charged.
Knowing this, you might be wondering how to test the generator? After all, it does not have a display that would show the current value of the generated voltage. There is nowhere to put the cables from the multimeter in it either. The key here is the battery.
How to measure the charge of a generator in a car?
Want to know how to measure the charge of a generator? The generator does not work when the engine is not running. For this reason, measuring the voltage on the battery with the car turned off will not give anything. In this way, you can only check if the battery is properly charged.
And how to check the generator and its correct operation? To do this, you need to connect the multimeter to the battery - the black wire to the minus, and the red to the plus. After starting the engine, it is necessary to follow the values shown on the display.
Alternator charging current and measurement procedure
As mentioned above, ideally when you measure the alternator charging current you will get results around 14.4 volts. How to find out? After connecting the meter to the battery, one person must set it to 20 V and observe the readings on the display. The second person at this time starts the engine.
How to effectively check the generator? At the very beginning, after turning on the ignition and turning the key to start the unit, do not start any consumers. Check how the alternator charges the battery without load.
A working generator will give out a current at the level of the mentioned 14.4 V or a little higher. It is important that the values do not jump sharply and remain constantly at the same level.
Correct Generator Voltage and Load
How to check the correct generator voltage? Just checking the device without turning on the lights or heating will tell you little about the charging status. So how do you test a generator to get reliable results? With the engine running, turn on the current receivers in turn. It is good to turn on several at once, preferably those that consume a lot of electricity. These include:
- traffic light;
- heated mirrors, seats and rear window;
- air flow;
- radio.
How to check the generator and how should it be charged under load?
Once you enable all of the above, you should see a voltage drop across the meter. Up to what value? The voltage regulator in the generator senses the current drawn and responds to an increase in the generated voltage. However, under the influence of receivers, it drops from 14.4 V to just below 14 V. If you are reading this information on the multimeter display, your alternator is fine.
Incorrect alternator charging voltage - how does it manifest itself?
What values indicate an incorrect alternator charging voltage? In a situation where the values fall below 13 V or even 12 V, charging in the car does not work correctly. Then you need to regenerate the generator or buy a new one.
Is there another way to test the generator? In principle, yes, because another sign would be the instability of the measurement. If the voltage fluctuates a lot, the voltage regulator may not work optimally. Of course, you can only be sure if you approach the verification process correctly.
How to check the generator without errors?
There are a few simple mistakes to watch out for. Pay special attention to these questions:
- make sure that the wires are in contact with the terminals when the engine is running;
- do not allow the wires to be disconnected from the meter;
- do not turn on the receivers only for a moment, but let them work for at least 30 seconds;
- use the maximum load on the generator and turn on all the most powerful loads.
Damaged battery - how to check?
If you're sure your alternator is running but your car won't start due to a power outage, then a worn out battery may be to blame. Batteries are checked with a hydrometer that determines the density of the solution. Optimal is 1,28 g/cm3, at 1,25 g/cm3 the battery needs to be recharged. Below 1,15 g/cm3 there is a risk of permanent battery damage and replacement.
Using a special meter, you can also determine the open circuit voltage. The check should be carried out after a night stop before inserting the key into the ignition lock and starting the engine. If the result is less than 12,4 volts, the battery needs to be recharged. A voltage below 10 volts during a cold start indicates battery wear.
Now you know how to test the generator. This procedure is not difficult.. Therefore, there are no contraindications for self-fulfillment. It is best to do this with two people, instead of running between the car and the engine compartment. Then it will give the best results.
