What are some of things that can cause an altenator to stop providing power ?

Question

causing a car to shut down while running down the highway then resume power after it has had a chance to set for a while ?

Answer 1

may not be the alternator.dose this happen after hitting a bump or when the lights are on?how old is your battery?it might be low on water,could even have a broken cell this would course loss of power when car is hot.A lose power lead, us-lay the earth lead will course this problem as well. Clean the terminals and tighten all bolts unhook the earth lead when doing this to the positive lead as if you touch the body with your spanner you will get a spark from the battery (fire risk if not worse). top up the water the cap on the cells has a high level mark us-lay the top of the diagonal cut on the cap fill to here with filtered water.

To cheque the alternator you will need a multimeter to find out what volts you have from the alternator, with the multimeter on DC and the engine off but ignition on you should have 10volts or better at the battery if not battery is at fault. now start the car at an idle you should now have 12 / 13.75volts at the battery if less its the alternator.

Answer 2

When the alternator fails, the battery is supplying all the electrical power for the vehicle and it is not being recharged. So when the battery dies, the car dies since there is not any spark being supplied to the spark plugs. The battery may regain some power after a short breather, but not for long.  The alternator fails usually because of a faulty diode, a broken drive belt or water got into it when the engine was cleaned. If it cannot be repaired, have the service technician install a re-built one. Cheaper and just as reliable. (I have one in my truck). Also remember that batteries are now rated by months, 36-72. They are subject to permanent failure when they reach that magic timeline from date of installation.

All the best

Answer 3

1. Loose or worn belt.

2. Worn internal parts.

3. Bad regulator.

4. Bad wire connections.

5. Weak battery.

Answer 4

   The brushes in the voltage regulator wear over time. That's why sometimes you'll see the batt. light go on and off. Its just not contacting. You could probably just replace the voltage regulator instead of the whole alternator but is probably easier and not much more to change the whole unit.



   But that is what's happening.