How to Test an Alternator - Plus How an Alternator Works

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  • čas přidán 6. 05. 2017
  • In this video I am going to show you how you can easily and conclusively diagnose issues and test your alternator. I will also take an alternator apart and show you what all the different parts like the rotor, stator, rectifier and voltage regulator work and how you can fix or replace them as well.
    Here are links to products which were used in this video:
    Battery Load Tester: amzn.to/2qcI5vr
    Battery Charger: amzn.to/2pSXDno
    Multimeter: amzn.to/2p8VtRj
    Aligator Clips: amzn.to/2pSPIWU
    Test Light: amzn.to/2pSLpLl
    Link to AlternatorMan's Channel: / alternatorman
    Please Consider Supporting My Channel at : / rnw
    Facebook: / ratchets2015
    Twitter: / ratchets15
    Instagram: / ratchetsandwrenches
    Disclaimer:
    Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 678

  • @stupidPeopleRBored
    @stupidPeopleRBored Před 3 lety +93

    as a career tech, (power plant and semiconductor) you just don't get this kind of knowledge and communication from a technician very often. Fantastic video Ratchets and Wrenches! can't imagine where those dislikes came from

    • @I_HaVe_QuEsTiOnS4u
      @I_HaVe_QuEsTiOnS4u Před rokem +6

      Doesn't matter who you are or what you say there's always a troll that will disagree just to disagree.

    • @deanross4090
      @deanross4090 Před 7 měsíci +1

      Great explanation

    • @olivetree633
      @olivetree633 Před 4 měsíci

      Thank you for your input. Your video was very educational and you explained everything so clearly. I appreciate that you took the time to make this video and teach some of us how we trouble shoot alternator problems. Thanks again

  • @XEFairmont
    @XEFairmont Před 4 lety +188

    The best explanation of how a alternator and charge system ever. Easy no BS everyday explanation. Well done

  • @josephwash109
    @josephwash109 Před 6 lety +35

    The symbol you pointed out on the Ford diagram is actually a capacitor. It's there to absorb voltage spikes mainly to prevent radio interference and to keep the voltage output steady. This is an excellent video--very informative. Keep up the good work!

  • @wyattoneable
    @wyattoneable Před 7 lety +35

    Your the best at explaining the subject at hand and backing that up with great editing!

  • @mikemarcott4888
    @mikemarcott4888 Před 3 lety +4

    Yes you have the best class I've ever seen on CZcams! 35 year diesel mechanic here

  • @billrimmer5596
    @billrimmer5596 Před 3 lety +11

    Super job! U covered all the bases. One tiny thing I might add is the one way clutch that a lot of new alternators have. A Honda Fit gave me a fit. It was slipping and not charging when heavily loaded. Sitting at idle I had 14 volts. When the fans kicked on, it wouldn't keep up. Once again, great teaching!!

    • @myviews469
      @myviews469 Před 9 měsíci

      could internal regulator be controlled by the computer on car? Because I replaced alternator and battery but from battery terminal i only get 12.5 if i try to disconnect the battery engine turns off.

  • @heygreg123
    @heygreg123 Před 6 lety +130

    WOW! As a engineer, this is a superb tutorial for the layman / armature. Really NICE job!!

    • @michael-xe7rz
      @michael-xe7rz Před 4 lety +8

      Layman?! For anyone seeking wisdom without Attitude.

    • @RatKindler
      @RatKindler Před 3 lety +6

      @Bruce Lee If you feel inferior in the presence of an engineer then that's your problem - not his. You need to work on your self esteem issues.

    • @JoseCruz-qf6ui
      @JoseCruz-qf6ui Před 3 lety

      How did you become an engineer?

    • @MuhammadRafiq-is3fd
      @MuhammadRafiq-is3fd Před 3 lety

      Sometimes those technician will fix the problem that made by shitty enggineer🤭

    • @nathanbopp6163
      @nathanbopp6163 Před 2 lety +1

      @@michael-xe7rz armature and amateur sound similar, so armature was an acceptable attempt at a pun.

  • @chintanpatel764
    @chintanpatel764 Před 5 lety +12

    I missed a lecture on this at school but your video helped me for the test I have tomorrow.
    Thank you.

  • @anthonyvolkman2338
    @anthonyvolkman2338 Před 5 lety +13

    I like the informative demonstration here! Ive worked with alts (inside them) for quite a while and this was great.

  • @janshand7092
    @janshand7092 Před 4 lety +11

    Clearly Amazing .. I have watched so many videos on this .. Yours makes so much sense. I never once had to stop and rewind so I could listen again and again. ThankYou Crystal clear explanation!4

  • @alghalebi
    @alghalebi Před 7 lety +31

    Many thanks for the explanation, clear and to the point as the other vids!

  • @mmc3051
    @mmc3051 Před 3 lety +6

    Most informative and precise auto repair video I have ever watched! Thank You!

  • @cornwasher
    @cornwasher Před 5 lety +2

    Wonderfully thorough video and answered my question about the two terminals on the back of the alternator. I knew one was + battery voltage to the stator and the other was to the gauge.

  • @scottc3165
    @scottc3165 Před 2 lety +1

    Having issues with my dual battery 7.3 idi diesel charging system and I watched a ton of other videos that got me started but nothing worked and left me confused. Your explanation is much more complete and I now feel confident to give it another go tomorrow morning. Many thanks.

  • @ricardovelez2596
    @ricardovelez2596 Před 3 lety +7

    Great video and explanation of how an alternator works! Great job with the diagram and taking the alternator apart to show how all of the parts work together!

  • @billyr9840
    @billyr9840 Před 7 lety +80

    I have a very good understanding of how a alternator works but I must say you did a excellent job of explaining it's job and the inner workings of how it works for the average DIYer out there ! Nice !

    • @wyattoneable
      @wyattoneable Před 7 lety

      Hey Billy R, your everywhere!

    • @billyr9840
      @billyr9840 Před 7 lety +4

      You Too ! LOL ! No I only hang out on channels where the producer actually has a brain ! And you know as well as I do that someone out there has a better way of doing things and you can always learn something knew !!

    • @wyattoneable
      @wyattoneable Před 7 lety +5

      This channel is one of the best at explaining things too. See you around Billy!

    • @BryanChance
      @BryanChance Před 6 lety +4

      Yep..totally agree. I'm YCM certified (CZcams Certified Mechanic) because of the great videos on this channel. ;p

    • @Direktors
      @Direktors Před 5 lety

      wil my alternator work if one diode wire is disconnected?

  • @AlanLarkin5063
    @AlanLarkin5063 Před 2 lety +3

    Well Done!!!!!!! I’ve been working on my own vehicles for 40 years and I still learned a lot in this video.

  • @richardtrowell8812
    @richardtrowell8812 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Excellent video on how alternators work, troubleshooting and testing. Know you have helped many people work on their own vehicle's. I am currently working on an older vehicle for my grandson. Many thanks.

  • @hugoknight1
    @hugoknight1 Před 6 lety +1

    Best video I've seen so far on testing alternator/regulator/battery! You made it very easy to understand. Thanks!

  • @djames3555
    @djames3555 Před 5 lety +3

    Brother thank you. I absolutely hate everything electrical and all the problems! 😠 Especially intermiting one's 😤!! You just explained and showed it perfectly, simple and made it nonintimidating. You are a mechanics Mechanics🔧🔩🚗. Thank you 👍

  • @markjriehle6798
    @markjriehle6798 Před 4 lety +5

    Excellent video: thorough and well communicated. Thanks for educating and helping so many people!

  • @paulleech6412
    @paulleech6412 Před 4 lety +9

    Awesome video. Very informative. Extremely helpful. Great explanation of working your way throughout the entire charging cycle to make clear what makes it work. Before I could only say motor spins alternator which charges the battery. I know there are a lot of wiring diagrams out there. At least now, I actually can make sense of one too. Super neat knowing what I've learned right now. I'm in the process of installing a car stereo system with multiple amplifiers and batteries. I've seen other car audio youtubers show all the "where's" to make connections but leave out the "why's" or "how" it works. I just want to learn more now. Thank you so much brother.

  • @ricardoandrade7925
    @ricardoandrade7925 Před 6 lety +21

    Congratulations for the amazing and very well explained video. Thank you very much!

  • @TheBeemerfan
    @TheBeemerfan Před 6 lety +4

    Man!! that was the best video about alternators. You have a perfect clear knowledge about what you are talking about.
    nevertheless all other are very good as well.
    Thanks a lot

  • @AMAG57
    @AMAG57 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I don't know if you'll see my comment or not, but I'd like to express my gratitude for your effort. The information provided was extremely helpful, and you delved into the subject in a detailed manner.
    Thank you for your hard work. The information was very beneficial, and you went into the topic in-depth.

  • @marcoaaguilera2620
    @marcoaaguilera2620 Před 6 lety

    Not only you are a professional, but and excellent instructor, your Service Videos are about the best I have seen. Thanks . Marco.

  • @shifter65
    @shifter65 Před 5 lety +5

    Wow, that was a really thorough explanation. Thank you!

  • @user-nz9wu5st2h
    @user-nz9wu5st2h Před 3 měsíci +1

    I am a professional repair shop and you are making a great video that has great explanations! Great video, this is super helpful for anyone who has questions about their vehicle's electrical system! nice!

    • @motologist1917
      @motologist1917 Před 3 měsíci

      brother i have ford fiesta mk6 1.4 tdci my problem is that whenever i start the car battery warning light comes on the dash but if i fully press the throttle all the way to 5k rpm it starts charging and light goes offf , plz help me to solve this issue . this problem started when i removed the battery

  • @jameswalker1210
    @jameswalker1210 Před 4 lety +7

    Great educational & informative video! Even my kids would understand this! You're an excellent teacher, well done!

  • @louiemoscatel585
    @louiemoscatel585 Před 7 lety +3

    Great explanation here, I'll add this to my favs just in case. Thanks Bro!

  • @hyper.technic
    @hyper.technic Před rokem +4

    2 Days from my 4th Year Heavy Duty Red seal Exam so brushing up on things - Great Video!!

  • @mikeoxlong1167
    @mikeoxlong1167 Před rokem +1

    Wow, I 49 years of life I never thought anyone could teach me this material, bro u did an amazing job of explaining this, thank u!

  • @rishardlampese8947
    @rishardlampese8947 Před 4 lety +1

    I feel so dumbed down from so many other ignorant and useless videos here on CZcams on this subject so that when I watched yours, it felt like too much information. My brain started to faze lol! This is a great video - finally someone on youtube with a comprehensive explanation about this. I actually learned something - excellent and thank you!

  • @TheVwgolfmk1
    @TheVwgolfmk1 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you for explaining this in a way I can understand, I am having issues with my electrical system and this video has helped me figure out exactly what is wrong. Many thanks again from Steve in the UK

    • @TheVwgolfmk1
      @TheVwgolfmk1 Před 4 lety

      @Bruce Lee it was the alternator, bought a reconditioned one and it's fine now.

  • @snells-window
    @snells-window Před 6 lety +15

    That was a really excellent tutorial: very informative with no waffle. Thank you very much

    • @rattlerjake2362
      @rattlerjake2362 Před 5 lety +1

      It's actually refreshing to watch a video that explains the SUBJECT instead of wasting most of the video on worthless chatting. Instead of youtube purging political content they should remove videos that waste a lot of time blabbing and providing incomplete or incorrect info.. We really don't need 50 videos showing the same subject.

  • @DanielOrtegoUSA
    @DanielOrtegoUSA Před 3 lety +3

    I was impressed with the amount of detail and graphics. Even so, I was hopeful that you would have talked about amperage as well. I just purchased a 270 amp alternator, and I would love to measure AMP's to ensure that it meets or comes close to the specification. You have a dog that demands that I give you a like/thumbs-up and subscribe!

  • @tarikumedibew3507
    @tarikumedibew3507 Před 5 lety +3

    Amazing video and with a wonderful explanation! Good job!

  • @hpfax4
    @hpfax4 Před 5 lety +1

    Wow this is the most informative and best explained video on any topic I have ever seen. Thank you.

  • @2-old-Forthischet
    @2-old-Forthischet Před 6 lety

    Here's a tale of two stories about alternators that I ran across.
    The first is my GFs car. We just had the valve cover gaskets replaced after they have been leaking for a few months. I then proceeded to clean off the engine, top and bottom. I used Simple Green and a tire foam cleaner then blew off all the crud with my compressor. Her alternator was putting out 13.5 vdc to 14 vdc but after the cleaning, it stayed at 14.5 vdc.
    The second was my old Pathfinder. During the winter, I started the car up and when I turned on the heater blower, it sounded like a supercharger! Then I turned on the headlights and they went super bright then blew! This Pathfinder had a wire from the output of the alternator to the positive clamp on the battery. The continuity from the alternator to the battery was bad at that connection so all the alternator output was going right back into the wiring harness. On a side note, the dealer wanted to change the whole wiring harness in the engine bay. I found an auto electric shop that changed out the positive connector for $20.

  • @TheSonyjoseph
    @TheSonyjoseph Před 6 lety +3

    The best video, I ve ever seen.
    Many thanks

  • @websurfer1585
    @websurfer1585 Před 4 lety +2

    The best video I've seen on explaining this, thanks!

  • @indikaprabash8084
    @indikaprabash8084 Před 6 lety +3

    Great work...well done......nice clear explained.
    Thank you very much
    Cheers from Denmark 🇩🇰

  • @ziaziaei5614
    @ziaziaei5614 Před 2 lety +1

    Simple, clear, concise ! The best as always. Thank you.

  • @murdoc4072
    @murdoc4072 Před rokem

    This is the best explanation I have seen on the internet. I just used your video to explain to my pre teens, as were experimenting with rebuilding an alternator.

  • @IAR823DC
    @IAR823DC Před 6 lety

    Excellent overview with great detail on the operation and testing of an alternator!! Great Job

  • @lexsoft3969
    @lexsoft3969 Před 6 lety +4

    Yeah, you are right mentioning operation of charging warming lamp which includes both S terminal and L terminal of the same connector. These terminals which are on the same connector are often overlooked when diagnosing alternator. Relying only on reading voltage at battery terminal is not enough for thorough diagnosing, especially when issues arise during the period of charging warming lamp.

  • @billynoblett4880
    @billynoblett4880 Před rokem +1

    You are awesome. Man, I have been looking for a thorough explanation of how to troubleshoot my charging system, and this video is, by far, the best tutorial I have found. Thank you.

  • @sreenivasanm4303
    @sreenivasanm4303 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for explaining thoroughly about electrical system in automobiles.

  • @Vasetousa
    @Vasetousa Před 4 lety +1

    Great stuff, no BS video. I am tired of other dudes, kwaking and waking all kind of BS before the actual tiny-miny information they provide. Keep it up man!!

  • @paulwharton1850
    @paulwharton1850 Před 4 lety +2

    So very clearly & well explained - Many thanks !

  • @mackleblapppy4880
    @mackleblapppy4880 Před 3 lety

    The absolute best video on youtube by far. Thank you for taking the time to make this!

  • @firstavengers3198
    @firstavengers3198 Před 4 lety

    This gentlemen give really the best explanation how things should be going on. Thank you and go bless you!

  • @Whitewater767
    @Whitewater767 Před 5 lety +50

    Very thorough and understandable explanation, right down to the details such as where to set your multimeter dial, how the alternator and voltage regulator work, etc. I already knew a lot of this stuff, but your video is an excellent refresher. Plus, I gained quite a bit of knew knowledge from the details you presented. Having the disassembled alternator was an excellent teaching tool. And, the camera work was well done. Keep up the good work - I look forward to viewing more or your instructional videos! Thank you!

    • @scotforman1894
      @scotforman1894 Před rokem

      😅m😅mm😅😅mm😅me my omdear loo😅😅po😅😅

  • @celtic1song
    @celtic1song Před 3 lety +1

    Great video! Thorough explanation of how an alternator works and how to test. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise! God bless!

  • @ericapplewhite714
    @ericapplewhite714 Před 4 lety

    Damn, you are a smart man! I've taken multiple physics classes and I still don't understand this electricity Bull. Thanks for breaking it down. I just got to re-watch 10 more times

  • @vishaldongare711
    @vishaldongare711 Před 5 lety

    Great explanation to a complicated product. I am subscribing to this channel for lifetime!!!

  • @bossbasha1347
    @bossbasha1347 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you very much for your clear and good explanation also the good tips and great camera works.

  • @mark1952able
    @mark1952able Před 5 lety +10

    Excellent presentation! Much appreciated. You're a great teacher!

  • @1EagleDave
    @1EagleDave Před rokem +5

    Thanks brother your videos are always well done and explained in the best details to follow along with keep it up and thanks again for the(correct way ) on your repairs.🦅

  • @johnovegas
    @johnovegas Před 10 měsíci

    this is outstanding. you videos over the years have really become valuable to the driveway mechanic like me.

  • @johnkovar8064
    @johnkovar8064 Před 3 lety

    Extremely helpful, thankyou. So much better than anything else I came across on the internet.

  • @Anonymous-it5jw
    @Anonymous-it5jw Před 4 lety +1

    Great explanation of this system. Thanks!

  • @johnnyjohn9134
    @johnnyjohn9134 Před 5 lety +3

    You did a great job!!! Congratulations Man and You must know that i m waiting for the next super cool videos about how to repairs cars!
    😎🙌👍

  • @vincentborrowdale3093
    @vincentborrowdale3093 Před 4 lety +1

    BRO. YOU HAVE A GIFT . THANK YOU FOR BREAKING IT DOWN SO THE UNLEARNED CAN GET EDUCATED ,WOW , THANK YOU..

  • @eliaskennedy2992
    @eliaskennedy2992 Před 3 lety

    Hey, nobody ever explain this so good. Good Job Bro.

  • @SSingh-nr8qz
    @SSingh-nr8qz Před 4 lety +3

    THANK YOU! I was banging my head on this problem for a week, and then found your video!Very helpful!

  • @W.Khairi
    @W.Khairi Před 6 lety +3

    Great Video Man, Thanks a lot.

  • @TargaWheels
    @TargaWheels Před 7 lety +1

    Good info, and clearly explained. Thanks.

  • @ramalingeswararaobhavaraju5813

    Thanks to Ratchets And Wrenches for giving good information about alternator. Thanks for teaching in easy way.

  • @Yipmanhands
    @Yipmanhands Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks for this mate, excellent work.

  • @baburejaz
    @baburejaz Před 4 lety +2

    Excellent educational videos always. Thanks for your time efforts and research.

  • @bkarmas
    @bkarmas Před 7 lety +2

    great info, I am now a subscriber. Thanks!

  • @migm7428
    @migm7428 Před 4 lety +1

    excellent! Best I've seen ever. Thank you.

  • @AbdullahNaseerHayRee
    @AbdullahNaseerHayRee Před 4 lety

    Best explanation brother i have ever found yet with all tests explained simply and slowly. Thanks

  • @cynthiachandamusonda2583

    This is so good clear and to the point. I would love to more lessons on this. Please i would love to know how to identify the the cables on the alternator. Identifying the cables to know which one is for the ignition switch, for the lamp and for the battery sensing.

  • @a.k.9752
    @a.k.9752 Před 6 lety

    Extremely informative!!! Thank you!!

  • @khanhbuifamily
    @khanhbuifamily Před 6 lety +1

    The best video on this subject. Thanks

  • @champ8899
    @champ8899 Před 3 lety +1

    What a grand explanation of an auto charging system!Thank you

  • @dsadave
    @dsadave Před 2 lety +1

    You are a good teacher. Thank you for being thorough!

  • @grbeiz
    @grbeiz Před 3 lety

    Great Job explaining the different methods to test an alternator. Will definitely use this valuable info

  • @ashgall8118
    @ashgall8118 Před 3 lety

    Excellent video. Very descriptive, makes testing an alternator very easy.

  • @Poncho758
    @Poncho758 Před 3 lety +1

    Best video I’ve ever seen on testing thank you so much

  • @bt1493
    @bt1493 Před 4 lety +10

    Well Done!! That was an excellent instructional video. Thorough, methodical and very logical way of troubleshooting techniques that anyone can follow and adopt to any diagnosing. Very well done! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

  • @markjrose9526
    @markjrose9526 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. The information you shared has made me a better at diagnostics.

  • @xynyxs1
    @xynyxs1 Před 6 lety +1

    One of the best explanations. Thanks

  • @jimpie231
    @jimpie231 Před 3 lety

    Excellent in depth video on alternators! Thank-You! Jim

  • @aaronz4293
    @aaronz4293 Před 5 lety

    Great video. Easy to follow and good detail.

  • @nickreedg22
    @nickreedg22 Před 3 lety

    dude you explain and show things very well thanks and it's rare I give a review

  • @MrSailplane
    @MrSailplane Před 6 lety +7

    Great videos! Thanks. If the alternator shall charge the battery, it has to deliver at least 13,8 volts. The electromotive force to charge the battery is only present at 13,8 volts or above. Maintaining charge of a fully charged battery can take place at 13,6 volts. I think it is important to emphasize the 13,8 volts as people may think that charging will take place at 13 og 13,6 volts.

  • @kevinchdavid
    @kevinchdavid Před 4 lety

    Excellent explanation. Great job for the layman nothing like those other videos

  • @ericc155
    @ericc155 Před rokem

    Best explanation I've heard so far. Easy to follow tests.

  • @HeAhaBro
    @HeAhaBro Před 6 lety +1

    Another great instructional video! Thanks heaps.

  • @leonking9459
    @leonking9459 Před 5 lety +1

    nice explanation sir, you did really make me learn something about alternator, how it work and how to diagnose if it has gone wrong already,, thankz, thumbs up..!

  • @1goldenugget
    @1goldenugget Před 3 lety

    Thank you. This was good. I have to tell you about a bad battery that had a bad cell. I didn't have my load tester but I did have my meter. To make a long story short. I ended up testing each cell of the battery and found one that was shorted out. It through me for a loop at first because of the goofy readings I was getting on the meter. Love you site. Aloha

  • @ivanivan5627
    @ivanivan5627 Před 5 lety +1

    Great explanation, thank you!

  • @jaileal8806
    @jaileal8806 Před 4 lety

    Thankyou for a fantastic video. Logical and clear. A real gem.

  • @DjDuilioPV
    @DjDuilioPV Před 6 lety +1

    Excellent video and instruction. Thank you

  • @LuisCasstle
    @LuisCasstle Před 5 lety

    I feel like I can now charge people to fix their alternator problems 😁. Thanks for all the info, very detailed. I'm going through charging problems and cannot afford to pay to have it checked, so again, many thanks. This will help me know if my alternator has really crapped out, as the test they did at AutoZone only checked the voltage at the battery and they didn't bother to actually check the alternator itself.

  • @NordaVinci
    @NordaVinci Před 4 lety

    Very nice. Enjoy the circuit diagram, explanation of the rectifier, diodes, alternator, windings etc.

  • @Cucan2bnice
    @Cucan2bnice Před 3 lety

    Oops! Beg my pardon if I'm wrong but Chris, did you say: (@7:09) connect the Negative(?) to the alternator POSITIVE (?) lead.... should be Positive to the positive..
    I might be wrong, but I listen to you closely Cuz you are Such a Fantastic Teacher/presenter of 'How to Do' presentation and I learn how to fix my own vehicles from you..
    Since I dont have a husband anymore & my sons live far alway, You help me so much I could just hug you! Thank you for your years of dedicated service for all of us! 👍🏻🤗🙏