Alternator

palmster · Post by **palmster** » 12 May 2006, 11:10

We havre replaced the alternator twice now because we were told by a mechanic that the regulator in the alternator is not holding a charge.

Can this be right - we have to replace the alternator AGAIN.

LaRy · Post by **LaRy** » 12 May 2006, 12:55

Never heard that a working alternator could cause problems like not holding the charge. Pure theoretical could the the rectifiers in the alternator be broken but then the alternator would not charge either. In old DC generators with an mechanical charging relay, this relay could remain closed and that would uncharge the battery, but with the modern alternator with an electronic charging unit, this could not happened.
Buy a universal meter including current meter and loose the connection to the battery. Connect the currentmeter function between the battery and loose end. Current flow should be zero. If not holding the charge a current will flow. In order to get closer to the problem, unplug fuse after fuse until the current flow stops. Then you at least now in what group of components to find the problem.