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Battery will not hold
a charge
1. Alternator drive belt defective or
not adjusted properly.
2. Electrolyte level low or battery
discharged.
3. Battery terminals loose or corroded
4. Alternator not charging properly
5. Loose, broken or faulty wiring in
the charging circuit.
6. Short in the vehicle wiring causing
a continuous drain on the battery.
7. Battery defective internally.
Ignition light fails
to go out
1. Fault in the alternator or charging
circuit
2. Alternator drive belt defective or
not properly adjusted
Ignition light fails
to come on when key is turned on
1. Instrument cluster warning light
bulb defective
2. Alternator faulty
3. Fault in the instrument cluster
printed circuit, dashboard wiring or bulb holder
Charging System Problems
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Noisy
Alternator |
- Loose mountings
- Loose drive pulley
- Worn bearings
- Brush noise
- Internal circuits shorted (High
pitch wine)
|
- Tighten mounting bolts
- Tighten pulley
- Replace alternator
- Replace Alternator
- Replace alternator
|
| Squeal
when starting engine or accelerating |
|
|
| Indicator
light remains on or ammeter indicates discharge (engine running) |
- Broken belt
- Broken or disconnected wires
- Internal alternator problems
- Defective voltage regulator
|
- Install belt
- Repair or correct wiring
- Replace alternator
- Replace voltage
regulator/alternator
|
| Car
light bulbs continually burn out - battery needs water continually |
- Alternator/regulator overcharging
|
- Replace voltage
regulator/alternator
|
| Car
lights flare on acceleration |
- Battery low
- Internal alternator/regulator
problems
|
- Charge or replace battery
- Replace alternator/regulator
|
| Low
voltage output (alternator light flickers continually or ammeter
needle wanders) |
- Loose or worn belt
- Dirty or corroded connections
- Internal alternator/regulator
problems
|
- Replace or adjust belt
- Clean or replace connections
- Replace alternator/regulator
|
For more information on
your charging system and how to check it, click HERE.
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