How to Change an Alternator : Diagnosing an Alternator Problem

[lisaking22]

Omg! He reminds me of a younger Tobias Funke

[Graxster]

1. Open hood.

2. Start car.

3. Disconnect the NEGATIVE (black, minus sign) cable from the battery.

If the engine DIES when you disconnect the battery, your alternator is not working. Check the fuses before assuming it's the alternator. Take alternator to auto parts and have them bench test it.

If the engine keeps running after disconnecting the battery, then the alternator is working. I suggest having your battery tested.

Vote up so ppl can read the REAL way to diagnose an alternator.

[jjenson2006]

You can buy alternator brushes on ebay.

[BeatstreetLarry]

The Title reads "How to CHANGE an alternator" it should read how to diagnose electrical system... my 2 cents..

[michaelpousti]

thanks for the channel

[hudsonjamesc]

dang dude you need to steam clean under yo hood

[CallNow1000]

Did you know that You Can Take 20% OFF Your Order at Advanced Auto Parts when you call ahead of time?

Mention Code CC20 to get your discount.

Try it , it Works!

Call Now

888-317-9928

[bwebber89]

I need a video of how to install and install a alternator on a 96 dodge neon sohc motor

[Breadman361]

thanks bro for those good tips man and god bless

[TroyaE117]

You sound like one of those very polite Americans that just sat on his Big Mac.

After he put the ketchup on it.

[donnad23]

what happens if you have your alternator checked and it comes back good yet the new battery keeps dying??

[ChIcAnO2111]

@donnad23 same here man

[TroyaE117]

ArticMuse :

2 years to reply?

Been at school all that time?

[ArticMuse]

man you are stupid..or never been at school..yes carbon does not conduct. but graphite being also carbon conduct elec bcoz of its molecular structure. so GO BACK TO SCHOOL and stop flooding youtube with nonsense.

[nene2414]

i played a justin bieber song on my sound system and my alternator gave out

=/

[shidhedd]

Do you or does anyone have any idea what tells the alternator to start charging? I pulled mine off my 99 F150 because I suspected it wasn't good. When I had it tested, it was good but when it's in my truck, it doesn't charge the battery. I read zero voltage on the 2 small wires that connect to the back of the alternator. Also, when the truck is running, I read battery voltage across the battery instead of 14.3 volts. If I let the truck run, it dies. All fuses are good. Thanks for helping.

[mbychows]

@shidhedd:  Bad voltage regulator?

[AKB7410]

all the words was hiding what you were showing so this is just non sense to me! Thanks anyhow!

[RightBeatRadio]

@AKB7410 take captioning off..

[DUCESQAD]

anybody know how to take one off a 99 sebring lxi

[volunteerz]

U still need to replace the factorysealed alternator itself or it´s relay on cars with longrun mileage.

[lblockerwr]

1:45 he said impossible  not imposition lol

[youdragon]

will a stock 105amp alt handle a extra 520watts of draw from extra off road lights???

[crackstah5150]

you couldve gotten alll tha parts from napa, they have a set they sell so you can build the alternator yourself with brushess...

[Daylejl]

Great information but the name of the program is right over the sample car. How are we supposed to see it.

MOVE IT PLEASE

[armil365riza]

Start up your car. Then remove the negative on your battery while it's still running .If the car dies..then your alternator has a problem.

[josue073]

@armil365riza

NEVER EVER DO THAT ON MODERN CARS. ie 1980's and up!!!

Voltage spikes can fry a computer and any other fragile electricle components. DONT DO IT.

[armil365riza]

@josue073

oohhh...Thanks for the heads up.

[RightBeatRadio]

@armil365riza umm i wouldnt recommend this if u have a newer, more modern car. you can fry some of your other electrical components and/or cause an arc and damage your car. this test works, but be careful..

[TYLERXISXKOOL]

my bright lights dont work on my car and also i have a apm in the back cuz of my car audio and i cant get power to the amp even tho my power cord goes straght to the batterie is it my alternator or a fuze

[Nazgul001]

gotta be the fuse.

[dennass331]

hey alternators dont have commutators they have diodes commutators are used in generators and yea i think its bull we cant find brushes or new diodes to rebuild alternators at home it would be so much cheaper

[maycor1076]

although this is one easy way this is not an accurate way to test. the best way is to do a voltage drop from the battry to the alternator with load on in this case vehicl cranking or starting. Test light are not good enough way because it does not show voltage. Another way to test and alternator is to test it with an scope ampmeter.

[munteanuioan]

my batery was gone.i conect it to another abtery startr the engine walk 30 km and now the alternator smokes .i have a volvo 440 wtf???

[felixlee2009]

my integra...new alternator n battery still same problem car lights in dash goes out n car stall when jump it start up but dies again...can any one help

[Tyelow09]

did you check all your fuses? in the fuse box under the hood?

[lobextomy]

sounds like the wires are bad on the integra

[LBGreenthumb]

possible bad grounding connection

[armil365riza]

what was the problem?

[raymondx1232]

what is the name of the last part that you ware touching near the fuel injectors can't see it on film

[dnl5649]

if you cant find brushes of the right kind.

file down similar brushes with a bastard file to make them fit.

works for me every time.

[aerospaceace10]

my alternator is FUCKED

[tjizzle2da]

@aerospaceace10 ftl.!

[RightBeatRadio]

@aerospaceace10 took the words right outta my mouth...

[Nicksolo85]

I have a question

This morning, I tried starting up my car and it wouldn't [all I heard was the noise when you try to start a car and it struggles and ended up not starting]

I went and got Fuel Injector and 50-50 Coolant [as a just in case situation]. I borrowed another car.

When I got home, I tried it again and the car struggled a bit and started right up.

What could any of this mean?

Is it possible I just needed new Coolant?

Thanks in advance

[windycityking1]

u cant hook ohmmeters uup to the battery u fool u'll blow out the meter.. LTI wat up!!!!!!

[YouEatTurds]

is it possible for my battery to be dead but still have my dome/head lights functioning properly? i just jumped my car even though my lights all worked and everything was fine until the next day i put the key in and NOTHING. i jumped the battery again and it'll probably be dead again soon. i'm worried it could be something worse than just the battery because of the functioning lights because i thought that if it were the battery i shouldn't have any electricity at all. any thoughts?

[superbird520]

i have had to change my alternator a week ago... i found that starting the car (even with jumpers) then seeing if it stays on while disconnecting the battery tells if if the alternator is the problem. thankfully most fords make it easy to change the alternator.

[302GTS]

Checking voltage of the battery won't always tell you everything... You need to also check the amperage of your electrical system. You can be putting out 13V, but possibly not the correct amps, and that can cause issues.

[bass1134]

seems like you have some knowledge on altenators... ok after replacing a knock sensor and wired everything up, my dads ranger started to shake and die. the funny thing is that we unplugged the small connection on the altenator (i believe its called the regulator) and run just fine! of course it ain't charging the batt. any ideas? short somewhere?

[shoot9ball]

hook a dam ohm meter up to the battery and rev the engine. simple stuff

[cjdistheman1]

you know wat i do. after i jump my car off i disconnect the positive wire from the battery while my car is already running. If its not running stilll then i know its time to take my ass to autozone etc.

[skillz03784]

@cjdistheman1

don't disconnect the positive, disconnect the negative

[cjdistheman1]

datz really wat i meant

[usmcgrosso]

if u guys are soooooo smart then why do u watch his videos??? u already no it all.

[daveskatesallday]

expert village all of their videos suck

from skateboarding tricks to car stuff

*shakes head*

[discretesignalz]

This guy needs to stop making videos. In this video he uses the wrong procedures and instruments for checking the charging system. Besides it is impossible to check the alternator's output with a 12V test lamp. This rookie needs to go to automotive school or work around some professionals who know what they are doing.

[Akkuetj]

Wow u discovered America for me.

[ThundareRed]

Ok, Problem here, When he first Tested the two terminals right? that IS WORNG, he tested that the battery has a change in it, by connecting the two terminals he closed a circuit BETWEEN the battery causing the light to turn on, so he is wrong, lol its fun to correct an expert video LOL

[np222]

learn how to spell bud.

[crayonchristian]

hahaha.. it is fun to correct a person correcting an expert!!

[ThundareRed]

lol, you didn't correct a thing, besides i don't care if i had a few misspelled words.

[Tboom123]

If you're going to use an elipse, it's three dots, not two...(for example) and there should only be one exclamatoin mark! haha! it's fun to correct an expert, correcting an expert, correcting an expert video! Lol! haha jk, don't hate I'm just kidding :p

[crayonchristian]

im not correcting anyone im just reacting to what np222 said... (<-- elise) hahaha. don't worry no hating here! (<--- exclamation point)

[Tboom123]

you spelled elipse wrong. lol just kidding...i'm just screwing around. i just think it's funny that everyone tries to correct everyone else, but then makes mistakes on their own comment. even i mispelled exclamation. lol and np222, go smoke a joint, BUD :D

[roarpony]

First of all this isn't a safe procedure. lol Probing doesn't exist in a tech's dictionary. I've seen a lot of rookie techs setting off Air bags even with a meter because they didn't disconnect the battery. Be on the look out for the yellow wires. Use a Digital meter. It could be the alternator or the wiring. Don't assume.

[200twistatwista]

Good video

[kafrances]

my problem, i just have a new batery but i was driving home and the stereo shut off ,  and then the car didnt start ,just the red lights from the dash come up.....any help,..???

is this problem the alternator?>???

[nvisontruth]

batery post r probly loose

[slogin3800]

A circuit test light yes tell's you there is a good connection, but It doesn't tell you what the voltage drop across that circuit is. So when the light, lights up it doesn't mean that there is not a problem with the wire. Use a voltmeter to check voltage drop from the battery to the alternator. It's better to get values then to see a pretty light, light up.

[quickmilitant]

i have a 94 regal and when i start up the car the voltage goes up above 13 but after like 10 mins it goes way down ans sometimes stall and when i try to restart nothing happens note even the dash lights will come on.. does that have anything to do with the alternator??? HELP THANKS

[aholicguap]

did you fix your problem on the regal cuz my cutty 81 has the same problem. battery dies alot and i have beats in it. help please

[levani041491]

hey i jost got a new alternator and it's getting hot like old one . and it post to be like that??

[jaraff420]

i have a 95' dodge neon and there is a loud rattling in my engine. i think its the alternator, and my gauges only work when the car is cold. but when i warm it up the speedometer, odometer, and all other gauges turn off. u think its a malfunction with the fuse that leads to the alternator, or is the alternator in general just going to shit

[silentuploader]

i have a question for anyone out there that can help. i have a 85 4runner and it wont start, i turn key on and oly get charge light. so i roll start it and it starts but until i give it a good rev i have no working electrics inside e.g stereo, tacho,indicators. and some days it will start and run fine?? PLEASE HELP

[john21031]

while engine running, connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals to make sure the alternator is charing. The voltage should be above 12.7 v, usually around 13.7

[Lahoree3]

i hav a question when u take the battery cables off a car does it still run or stall and isnt this a good alternator test?...my 93 prelude stalls when i take my cables off but it seems to be chargein the battery properly :S

[NexusRebellion]

Do not test your alternator like that.

It can actually hurt many components of an OBD2

car.

Take it to a shop and they will run a vat40 or 45 on your battery and alternator to diagnose properly.

[greatucker]

Carbon does conduct electricity. Use a multimeter and set it to resistance and touch each needle to opposite sides or a pencil the graphite will conduct electricity. Graphite is a form of carbon which contain inter locking bonds of carbon atoms, the pattern allows electricity to pass from one end of the molecule to the other.

if you dot believe me look up carbon-nanotubes. and being a avid overclocker i have used graphite to unlock old

AMDopteron cpu multipliers. SO HA DONT FIGHT WITH A NERD

[deathroww5]

I found 4 flaws in this story. Good job. lol

[TroyaE117]

Carbon does not conduct? Graphite is carbon. It doesn't conduct?

What planet are you on?

[elliottbros]

He probably meant coper. This was a very help full video!

[ThePathofHavoc]

Carbon IS a conductor. The carbon atoms are arranged hexagonally with lots of pi bonding, causing passing electrons to bounce from one atom to the next.

He's on da' Erf !!

[ThePathofHavoc]

EDIT

"Graphite" is a conductor.

[EatPb]

@TroyaE117 carbon only conducts in specific forms (such as graphite) that will not be present in a car. So give it a rest, this isn't a chemistry video

[Trev811]

@TroyaE117 You Dont have a CLUE what the F*** you are talking about

[mikebordon]

OMG

Why is it that every one of these "how to videos" I go to have a few people on here bashing the guys that post the videos?

If you don't appreciate someone's opinion, can't you just move on?

[peagravel]

yep , step into the steel cage for a fight to the death

[spooky1966]

Wrong Dingleberry, I'm a certified flight instructor and airline pilot.  I need to know a bit about aircraft systems and indeed brushes are made from a carbon. Carbon rods create a static plasma which the electricity runs across. Still don't believe it. Advance Auto Parts says,

"Alternator Brushes Operation:

A block of conducting material, such as carbon, held against an armature commutator or rotor slip ring to form a continuous electrical path."

[ichbincurt]

Spook1966 you are a Fuckhead and this guy is an Idiot, they're not made out of pure carbon, because pure carbon does not conduct, Who gives a shit what you do, this guy is yet again a moron, anyone who takes this advice is going to come into problems okay

[elliottbros]

Wow, this isn't a proper way to debate. You cant bash your opponent. This video is very helpful. There needs to be good information like this on the internet. Just take any vid. your watch with a grain of salt and double check with other research. It is helpful to see this procedure being done.

[nolelox]

wood doesn't conduct right? Take a pencil and brake the wood off from the blunt end. Hold the lead (carbon) with 2 fingers and jam the sharp end onto an electric heating element.

Please come back here and tell us what happend, assuming you still have fingers to type.

[firehose03]

these days, your local auto parts store has the BEST / most advanced alternator, starter, etc. testors. the easiest /best way is to simply take it out, take it up to the store,  and they'll successfully test it...for free....

[firehose03]

panda-dumbass is one of  those f--- heads that after connecting jump wires to your battery to jump start his sorry

ass, he'd touch the positive and negative cables together to make a nice giant spark and purposely f--- up your battery.....

[generalblackice]

i was always told that if u take off the Alternator and put it in the palm of your hand and trun the wheel and if you fell ratterling then the ball bareings are broke and your need a new Alternator

[PandaDawg]

uh, whats with all the bullcrap this guy is using. unscrew the screws to the battery, turn on your engine, let it run max a min, remove the negative connector. If your car stays running for more than 10 seconds than the alternator works. If the engine shuts off immediately your Alternator needs replacing.

[Quetzalcoatl09]

PandaDawg: you have no idea of how to test an alternator;the way you describe is obsolete in modern car you can not do that,you will burn the internal regulator,some of today's cars the alternator is monitored by the ECM or the computer's car doing what you mention is just no sense besides;some european models need special equipment....

[PandaDawg]

true dat, my bad for misleading info. i should have claimed that my "technique" only works for models that i have worked on/tested. usually the case is cars before 2000, other than european cars. (honestly if you have a european car, BMW, Skodas, ect. shame on you for thinking that taking care of a car of that quality will come at low expense).

[malhogan]

This bloke should not be giving advise on anything electrical he knows very little esp about how to test a alternator maybe someone should introduce him to a multimeter

[pahsons]

Or a battery charging starting system analyzer. Even if there is good voltage, there could be another problem that a multimeter can't test but the specialized tester can.

[daddy2threeprodigies]

or you can use a length of wood (like a 2x2) and put one end on the alternator and the other to your ear, if you hear clicking then your alternator is shot

[markymark9172]

Test lights dont really 'tell' you anything, they give an indication only. They dont tell you the amount of voltage at them (10v give a nice bright bulb but wont charge a battery). They also wont tell you how much amperage is flowing, the alternator may not be able to keep up with demand. Test lights also cant tell you what the diode ripple is doing, use an oscilliscope and a multimeter. This guy is why the motor industry has a bad name for cowboys and is underpaid !!!