Yeah. I stumbled on this video because I'm toying with the idea of cobbling together a 12vdc generator out of a little 5hp engine and an alternator. Something I could use to top up my battery bank if the power goes out and the sun isn't shining on the solar panels, or to get a car started if it's battery's gone flat. It seems that it's not a particularly new idea, but it's a bit of a rabbit hole once you start looking into how to go about making one of these setups work, and more importantly, how to make it work as reliably as possible. When I started watching this I realised that I didn't really fully understand how an alternator worked, they were just "An alternator", one whole component that got swapped when it failed. Oddly though, after seeing this it seems they're not even as complex as I'd thought, which is a nice surprise.
This is great if you could buy replacement parts easily and quickly. Nowadays isolating the issue to a bad alternator is where the diagnosis stops. You can't find shop that sell these parts anymore unless you search online
Thank you so much for that tutorial. It help not just troubleshoot my own car alternator but to make something else i mean to create something by modifying alternator to do other things😊😊😊
You are the first to explain that the stator wires are in pairs. Even the shop manual wire diagrams don't show this but now it makes sense. I hate when they dumb down info because I know something is off and then understand that they don't want you to know that much. Just buy another and replace it!
Undoubtedly the Best diagnosis of non charging condition in a Vehicle,and Theoretical Explanation and repair and testing on a Alternator, I've seen well done.
God bless you, my Lecturer .That's my field. Also, I didn't know how to test the regulator ... but now I am thank you so much more blessings and may continue securing your life.
Im 24, mechanic of 5 years and I understood everything you showed me in this video. Not alot of mechanics repairing alternators out here, Its good money and working and testing them interests me ALOT. Thank you!
After my plus 2 , I did not got go to collage instead started working and completed my ICWAI , I learnt coding on my own , I code better than an engineers now
We did the Volkswagen alternator is just like that. Good to see somebody else doing the same have a nice day may you be blessed by all the different things in life. You already work the magic lesson share what you learn and be humble
Perfect work troubleshooting video. Complete step by step explanation and of course the theoretical. I will wait the next and more video from you. Thank you.
This was fun to watch. Your work flow is very different than pro mechanics, yet still very engaging. Pro mechanics would simply swap the alternator, and a few with extra time on their hands would do a voltage drop test of the B+ wire and a ripple test to look for diode bridge problems. The ripple test could be as simple as switching your multimeter to AC to detect big swings in voltage as the device spins. In this case I like the way you pulled the three components apart and tested each in turn. At one time those three components were sold separately, but today it is hard to find individual parts that are all compatible. In the end it comes down to how much time you want to spend testing and then searching for parts.
A good quick go, no go, first test: 1) Turn the key to on. DO NOT START THE ENGINE! 2) Take a screwdriver, plier or anything steel and touch it to the shaft in the middle of the alternator pully. If it sticks hard like to a strong magnet, the voltage regulator and the field coil wrapped around the shaft are probably good. 3) Go to the other tests shown here. When you go to test the diodes with a multimeter, you MUST know the polarity of the test leads. Depending on the meter brand, the internal battery voltage supplying the probes are not necessarily the same as the probe color codes. Example: Radio Shack and Archer meters made in the 80's and 90's had the red probe outputting a negative voltage as tested with another volt meter. A diode is a "semiconductor". This means when functioning properly, it will pass power in only one direction like a one way valve will only pass a liquid or gas in only one direction. If your continuity or ohm meter has a negative going red probe and you connect it to the anode, (flat bottom end of the diode in the diagram), and the black probe to the cathode, (the pointed end), you will get an indication that the diode is open, (burned out), when it may be perfectly good. When testing diodes in an alternator, they MUST FIRST be disconnected from the stator coils or you may read a shorted condition by inadvertently reading the continuity of a stator coil rather than the diode itself. Whenever checking any semiconductor whether it be in an alternator, amplifier, radio or crystal set, first, set your meter on the X1 or lowest ohms setting then connect the positive going probe to the anode and the negative going probe to the cathode. It is normal to read a few ohms at this point as semiconductors are not a perfect wire. Now, reverse your probes and test again. There should be a 0.0 or infinity reading or, on meters with a needle instead of a digital readout, zero needle movement. If you get any reading at this point, the diode, (bridge in an alternator), needs to be replaced. Another indicator of shorted diode(s) in an alternator is a lower than normal, but present, charging voltage at the battery with the engine running. Normal charging voltages vary by car brand. Ford is between 13.2 and 13.5 volts. General Motors, (GMC, Chevy, Buick. Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac and Saturn) is around 13.8 and Chrysler, (Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth) is 14.2. Chrysler police vehicles can be from 14.5 to 14.8 because of extra equipment. Older 12 volt vehicles with generators, at idle, readings can be below 12 volts and still be normal. Increase engine speed to 1,000 RPM and test at battery for 12.8 volt or above reading not to exceed 13.8 volts max. Foreign brands, check with dealer service department for acceptable voltage range. Two ways to test for shorted diode(s).: 1) Set your radio to a dead channel in the AM band. 2) Start the engine. 3) Rev the engine slightly. If you hear a soft hum that changes tone like a siren that changes pitch with engine speed. This can also be noise from the ignition system. If this hum is present, with the engine running, take your meter, set it to "AC" at or near a 12 volt setting and place the probes on the battery terminals. (This will NOT harm the meter.) There should be NO reading at all. If the meter reads any voltage of any kind, one or more diodes are shorted supplying AC voltage to the vehicle's electrical system. This leads to a lower than normal effective charging voltage, could damage the internal filter capacitor in the alternator, irritating noise in some car radios and, if the ECM, (engine control module), has poor filtering or is "well aged", this alternating current, (AC), can confuse it leading to less than optimal engine performance, higher pollutant output and / or lower gas mileage.
you just put the multimeter on diode test. it should read a voltage drop of around 0,5 to 0,6 on one direction and nothing when you reverse it.....the rectifier assembly should be disconnected from the stator prior to testing...also check shorts between stator and housing and visual inspect for bunrt varnish or burnt smell from stator
That was a really good explanation for anyone learning electrical repairs on cars. I'm surprised you actually mentioned the diode direction of 'flow', that's very rare outside of an automotive school environment. Well done.
I am a beginner in coming to a knowledge of the truth about electrical theory and electronics. What does electrical diode direction of 'flow' mean and why is it so important? thanks
Congrats mate to your first uploaded video. It received a place in my personal "video hall of fame". Loads of work must've gone into this perfect explanation and presentation of this subject. I'm certain the video will hit 100s of thousands of views (if not a million!) within the next 4 years... All the best, and keep up the good work for the rest of us enthusiasts who want to learn how to diagnose these things! Thanks!
I am a novice whom you have given certain confidence. Some men are called to teach. You are one of the best. i will not only subscribe, but highly recommend also. Please keep enlightening the lost or misguided hungry for simplicity.
Excellent explanation. Problem is, for most modern alternators a replacement diode bridge or regulator is not available. Or the old one cannot even be removed. Diodes being press-fit into some integral part of the housing, wires not soldered but spot welded. Modern alternators are designed to be replaced, not repaired, and hence there are no replacement parts. That is right, you have to trash a $500 alternator because a 50 cents diode fail.
Great diagonosis. Most of us would just replace the alternator... as I have done on multiple ocasions on several BMWs, including the water cooled version on my 1999 540 sport wagon. Thanks for the break down of the repair!
One if the not the best video on car alternators and troubleshooting I’ve come across on RUclips. Post-processing must have been time consuming but the end result is fantastic. A good mix between the practical and theory made your video highly engaging to watch. Also learned a few tips about soldering! Well done.
The details he provided was very accurate and in depth showing physical examples of the parts involved and how to check those components (while matching them to a wiring diagram via highlights) and the replacement of one diode.
This has been one of the best education videos of my life, the way you elaborated every step and detailed reasons justifying whys. Please keep up the good work, It really inspire people like me. I am a self learning auto electrician.
Very informative and clean explanation of everything for Alternator :) Interesting that there is a lot of variants how car alternator can be built. Stator windings can be connected as Star Y or Delta Δ, in the case it's just 3 windings output will of them will have 120 degrees phase shift and some ripple. Some alternators use 2 winding groups shifted by 60 degrees between them and 12 diodes rectifier (2x 6 per group). By shifting 2 groups with 60 degrees ripple is much lower which is mean less ripple/noise produced by alternator when charging/providing current for other loads. As for my Mazda CX-9 2022 I found Alternator circuit schematic from MESI Mazda Electronic Service Information, alternator stator have 2 winding groups connected in Delta Δ and shifted by 60 degrees. I think for BMW there should be something similar like electronic service manual/documentation. Thanks for the video and one more subscription from me :)
Superb tutorial. I've had a replacement alternator fail after just 800 miles for which I'm getting a refund under warranty. I've ordered a new one (different brand) but I've not had to return the failed one so I'd thought I'd have a go at diagnosing, and possibly repairing it as a back up. I've seen several other how-to videos on this but none come remotely close to this video.
Earlier today I watch a video on the electronicsNmore channel and thought it was by far the best video on alternators I've ever seen. The algorithm recommended this video, and now this is by far the best video on alternators I've ever seen.
Test. Firmly grasp the three leads before wrecktifying with one hand. Also firmly place a very sensitive part of your body against the neutral. You should feel three evenly spaced jolts which tells you to find a different hobby/career.
it's remarkable how a tiny little piece like a diode can stop an entire 1-2 ton car. It's easy to break things, but hard to fix them. How many people know how to repair an alternator?
I really appreciate showing that the negative is actually the alternator body, and how to check if point B has voltage. However the bench test did work for me. @5:55 I connected this way and there was a smoke, since wires got very hot and rubber on them melted. I think there should be load added (bulb, e.g.). My alternator has 4 points socket, and L point (ignition point) is the 2nd fm B point, if you are looking on then socket fm the right side of picture @5:55. Also in the Service Manual I have for the car I'm working on (2001 Saturn SL2), they advise w/one more step in diagnostic. After you determined that there is a power coming on ignition point (point L) you start the car w/that ignition plug disconnected and check for the code P0621 (Gen L Terminal Circuit), which always come as far as I understand, when you have Battery Light. If that code didn't come - check Charging System, if it comes (so w/l plug on the alternator disconnected) - replace PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Maybe it is not so for some cars, but this is how for Saturns. Most likely I fried Alternator running the car without EGR Valve (for carbon cleaning purposes). Thank you for the informative film.
Hi, What a well, detailed explanation, and fault tracing video!...I am from South Africa, and my son had a problem, (low charging voltage, on load) on his Ford 1300cc "Tonic" 5 door car. Normal checking battery voltage, with engine off 12v...ok, Battery voltage, engine running 13.8v...ok Now the moment more load is added, (lights switched on etc), charging voltage reduces below 12v etc. After checking similar checks, as per your fault finding video, finding all 6, (NPN and PNP Diodes) ok. No Stator coil wires shorting to "Earth" etc. Also replaced, with new Voltage-regulator...still low charging voltage while load added. Now I went into "Brain-surgery mode" Ha ha!... Reading your followers views, (and noticed that you award each one with a reply...which other video posters don`t always do!), I did`t see anybody mention the other "3 Diode-pack", that the Voltage-regulator uses to "sample" the Stator output AC voltage. Well, coming back to my under charging voltage problem...here was the problem!. 1 of the 3 Diodes, were OPEN CIRCUIT, which then created the low charging output voltage, when on load, to the battery. I replaced the "3 Diode-pack" with a new one and wolla!, Alternator producing full charging voltage on load!. This "3 Diode-Pack" is stuck away, underneath the main 6 output Diode plate. Thought I would just mention, to also check those 3 Diodes etc. Keep up the good Tutoring!. Andy Swanepoel. East London, South Africa.
For me, with just a basic understanding of automotive electrics, 90% of this, left me in a confused state of mind. For people that do understand what you are talking about, no doubt this was an excellent video.
Thank you for this video i learned clearly how alternator works.. i just have finished my short course in electronics but my field is in automotive.. this video added my electrical knowledge.. thanks..
Even without a show of face, The explanation is detailed that laymen with a little bit of idea in electronics could understand. Your video is a valuable reference. keep it up and thank you...👋👋👍👍👍
There are 4,556,776 videos on this topic. But yours is the best. Thank you for a very informative eductional, and proessionally done stuff. I liked your video.
Thank you for your valuable and very clear explanation of how an alternator works and how to test the various components of an alternator. I was impressed by your repair as well. Thank you again! -Respectfully
I watched this video from start to finish, I just want to thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am only beginning to learn more about electronics and this was so much fun/interesting!
Excellent presentation and video. Thanks for making it crystal clear how it works, and what each component does. Great job with the interactive diagrams. Bravo !!!!
Extremely thorough and comprehensive procedure and explanation. However, once you have determined that the alternator is not fully functional, if you value your time, simply replace the alternator. I agree that it is interesting to "root cause" the problem, but if you are on a multi-thousand-mile road trip, as I was recently when my 17-year-old alternator's brushes failed, you'll just want to replace it and move on without the detailed autopsy. I have had good luck with NAPA Auto parts, where the new alternator was about $150, with a $66 core charge. I always carry a low cost DMM (Digital Multi-Meter), which makes it easy to diagnose whether the charging system is working.
Very interesting and perfect explanation and step by step guidance with neat understandable technical details of each component gives a through insight of how an alternator works and trouble shoot it. Thanks a lot for enhancing the electrical knowledge.
Thankyou for your knowledge I had bought a new alternator replacement as old one stopped charging and fitted it witch worked later came across this video and repaired my old alternator now I have a spare.
what a wonderful video ,very clear with each and every component explained in real and in the diagram. Thank you very much for your time and effort in putting this video.
Very nice video regarding alternator service, its parts,function and testing with the recommended values.good for everyone who like to automotive engineering and industrial engineering as well.
You don't look like somebody i would have a hard time understanding, but frankly with how ai voices are usually used to spread miss information its nice to see one spitting out facts. excellent presentation.
Awesome video and Thank you for taking the time to produce such a detailed step by step analysis of the alternator and each of its components. But that is too much work for a non technical guy like me. As I learned in another video, you can test the diodes by switching the MM to Vac and with the engine running, place the probes on the battery terminals. IF you get a Vac reading, it means there is a problem with the diodes, IF no Vac reading then OK. That was my case, so just getting a whole new Alternator.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
As a retired mechanic this is the first time the battery harging system has been explained properly and simple to understand. Thank you.
You're welcome
Yeah. I stumbled on this video because I'm toying with the idea of cobbling together a 12vdc generator out of a little 5hp engine and an alternator. Something I could use to top up my battery bank if the power goes out and the sun isn't shining on the solar panels, or to get a car started if it's battery's gone flat.
It seems that it's not a particularly new idea, but it's a bit of a rabbit hole once you start looking into how to go about making one of these setups work, and more importantly, how to make it work as reliably as possible. When I started watching this I realised that I didn't really fully understand how an alternator worked, they were just "An alternator", one whole component that got swapped when it failed. Oddly though, after seeing this it seems they're not even as complex as I'd thought, which is a nice surprise.
why are there so many "retired mechanics" on RUclips comments?
One of the best explained alternator repair videos ever ! It should be used in high schools. Thank you!
Thanks for the message
What can I say? The best best super alternator repair video on RUclips. Thank you so much sir
Thanks for the comment
I AGREE!. Its SUPERB!
This is THE best car alternator/battery diagnostic video I’ve seen. 10/10!
Thanks for the message.
This is great if you could buy replacement parts easily and quickly. Nowadays isolating the issue to a bad alternator is where the diagnosis stops. You can't find shop that sell these parts anymore unless you search online
Thank you so much for that tutorial. It help not just troubleshoot my own car alternator but to make something else i mean to create something by modifying alternator to do other things😊😊😊
this is the most detailed alternator repair ive watched. 27mins not wasted . you sir earned a subscriber
thanks
I 2nd this comment! Subscribed!
I'm also.
You are the first to explain that the stator wires are in pairs. Even the shop manual wire diagrams don't show this but now it makes sense. I hate when they dumb down info because I know something is off and then understand that they don't want you to know that much. Just buy another and replace it!
Undoubtedly the Best diagnosis of non charging condition in a Vehicle,and Theoretical Explanation and repair and testing on a Alternator, I've seen well done.
Thank you
God bless you, my Lecturer .That's my field. Also, I didn't know how to test the regulator ... but now I am thank you so much more blessings and may continue securing your life.
Thank you very kindly for your demonstration. Finally, a guy who knows how to explain things in a straight forward and logical way. Bravo!!!
Thank you for the message.
Im 24, mechanic of 5 years and I understood everything you showed me in this video. Not alot of mechanics repairing alternators out here, Its good money and working and testing them interests me ALOT. Thank you!
You're welcome
Am paying a lot of money for my engineering degree and am watching this for free 😂😅
Bloody hilarious
Work smart dont work hard
Your better off having that degree though.. and if it's in electric engineering its a good one to have.. 👍🇮🇪🙏
👍👍
After my plus 2 , I did not got go to collage instead started working and completed my ICWAI , I learnt coding on my own , I code better than an engineers now
We did the Volkswagen alternator is just like that. Good to see somebody else doing the same have a nice day may you be blessed by all the different things in life. You already work the magic lesson share what you learn and be humble
thanks
Perfect work troubleshooting video. Complete step by step explanation and of course the theoretical. I will wait the next and more video from you. Thank you.
You're welcome
Have never seen a better description and demonstration at the same time. Ever. 👍👍👍
Thank you
This was fun to watch. Your work flow is very different than pro mechanics, yet still very engaging. Pro mechanics would simply swap the alternator, and a few with extra time on their hands would do a voltage drop test of the B+ wire and a ripple test to look for diode bridge problems. The ripple test could be as simple as switching your multimeter to AC to detect big swings in voltage as the device spins. In this case I like the way you pulled the three components apart and tested each in turn. At one time those three components were sold separately, but today it is hard to find individual parts that are all compatible. In the end it comes down to how much time you want to spend testing and then searching for parts.
thanks for your message
How is a ripple test done
Thank you for unravelling another mystery of “how it works”. Very clear, full, and easy to understand production. Well done.🇬🇧
Thanks for your message
A good quick go, no go, first test:
1) Turn the key to on. DO NOT START THE ENGINE!
2) Take a screwdriver, plier or anything steel and touch it to the shaft in the middle of the alternator pully. If it sticks hard like to a strong magnet, the voltage regulator and the field coil wrapped around the shaft are probably good.
3) Go to the other tests shown here.
When you go to test the diodes with a multimeter, you MUST know the polarity of the test leads. Depending on the meter brand, the internal battery voltage supplying the probes are not necessarily the same as the probe color codes. Example: Radio Shack and Archer meters made in the 80's and 90's had the red probe outputting a negative voltage as tested with another volt meter.
A diode is a "semiconductor". This means when functioning properly, it will pass power in only one direction like a one way valve will only pass a liquid or gas in only one direction.
If your continuity or ohm meter has a negative going red probe and you connect it to the anode, (flat bottom end of the diode in the diagram), and the black probe to the cathode, (the pointed end), you will get an indication that the diode is open, (burned out), when it may be perfectly good.
When testing diodes in an alternator, they MUST FIRST be disconnected from the stator coils or you may read a shorted condition by inadvertently reading the continuity of a stator coil rather than the diode itself.
Whenever checking any semiconductor whether it be in an alternator, amplifier, radio or crystal set, first, set your meter on the X1 or lowest ohms setting then connect the positive going probe to the anode and the negative going probe to the cathode. It is normal to read a few ohms at this point as semiconductors are not a perfect wire. Now, reverse your probes and test again. There should be a 0.0 or infinity reading or, on meters with a needle instead of a digital readout, zero needle movement. If you get any reading at this point, the diode, (bridge in an alternator), needs to be replaced.
Another indicator of shorted diode(s) in an alternator is a lower than normal, but present, charging voltage at the battery with the engine running. Normal charging voltages vary by car brand. Ford is between 13.2 and 13.5 volts. General Motors, (GMC, Chevy, Buick. Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac and Saturn) is around 13.8 and Chrysler, (Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth) is 14.2. Chrysler police vehicles can be from 14.5 to 14.8 because of extra equipment.
Older 12 volt vehicles with generators, at idle, readings can be below 12 volts and still be normal. Increase engine speed to 1,000 RPM and test at battery for 12.8 volt or above reading not to exceed 13.8 volts max.
Foreign brands, check with dealer service department for acceptable voltage range.
Two ways to test for shorted diode(s).:
1) Set your radio to a dead channel in the AM band.
2) Start the engine.
3) Rev the engine slightly. If you hear a soft hum that changes tone like a siren that changes pitch with engine speed. This can also be noise from the ignition system. If this hum is present, with the engine running, take your meter, set it to "AC" at or near a 12 volt setting and place the probes on the battery terminals. (This will NOT harm the meter.) There should be NO reading at all. If the meter reads any voltage of any kind, one or more diodes are shorted supplying AC voltage to the vehicle's electrical system. This leads to a lower than normal effective charging voltage, could damage the internal filter capacitor in the alternator, irritating noise in some car radios and, if the ECM, (engine control module), has poor filtering or is "well aged", this alternating current, (AC), can confuse it leading to less than optimal engine performance, higher pollutant output and / or lower gas mileage.
Thanks for the explanation
you just put the multimeter on diode test. it should read a voltage drop of around 0,5 to 0,6 on one direction and nothing when you reverse it.....the rectifier assembly should be disconnected from the stator prior to testing...also check shorts between stator and housing and visual inspect for bunrt varnish or burnt smell from stator
Jeff who do you recommend to purchase a stator for high Amperages output?
That was a really good explanation for anyone learning electrical repairs on cars.
I'm surprised you actually mentioned the diode direction of 'flow', that's very rare outside of an automotive school environment.
Well done.
Thanks for your message. Regarding the "flow" word, it's an french to english translation issue
I am a beginner in coming to a knowledge of the truth about electrical theory and electronics. What does electrical diode direction of 'flow' mean and why is it so important? thanks
The flow means the current direction.
your video format with the real life and then the graphic representation is excellent and helps understanding.
thank you.
Thanks for the comment
I am an electrical engineer. This is the best instructional video.
Thank you
Congrats mate to your first uploaded video. It received a place in my personal "video hall of fame". Loads of work must've gone into this perfect explanation and presentation of this subject. I'm certain the video will hit 100s of thousands of views (if not a million!) within the next 4 years...
All the best, and keep up the good work for the rest of us enthusiasts who want to learn how to diagnose these things! Thanks!
Thanks a lot for your message
I am a novice whom you have given certain confidence. Some men are called to teach. You are one of the best. i will not only subscribe, but highly recommend also. Please keep enlightening the lost or misguided hungry for simplicity.
Thanks for your message.
Awesome presentation. Outstanding work. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for your message
By far this is the EVER BEST TUTORIAL ONE can NEVER be better
Thanks for the message
Excellent explanation. Problem is, for most modern alternators a replacement diode bridge or regulator is not available. Or the old one cannot even be removed. Diodes being press-fit into some integral part of the housing, wires not soldered but spot welded. Modern alternators are designed to be replaced, not repaired, and hence there are no replacement parts. That is right, you have to trash a $500 alternator because a 50 cents diode fail.
You're right. Thanks for the message
Superb explanation - good diagrams, good animations. If only all videos on RUclips were this good !
Thank you
Great diagonosis. Most of us would just replace the alternator... as I have done on multiple ocasions on several BMWs, including the water cooled version on my 1999 540 sport wagon. Thanks for the break down of the repair!
thanks for the message
One if the not the best video on car alternators and troubleshooting I’ve come across on RUclips. Post-processing must have been time consuming but the end result is fantastic. A good mix between the practical and theory made your video highly engaging to watch. Also learned a few tips about soldering! Well done.
Thanks for the message.
exelent explanation, in detail
Thanks for your message !
The details he provided was very accurate and in depth showing physical examples of the parts involved and how to check those components (while matching them to a wiring diagram via highlights) and the replacement of one diode.
Thanks a lot from Libya🇱🇾🇱🇾
Super exploration
Thanks for the message
A very clear and elaborate video. I have learnt more about the alternator.
Thanks for this comment
Thanks for the video! Excellent explanation!
Thanks for the compliment
This has been one of the best education videos of my life, the way you elaborated every step and detailed reasons justifying whys. Please keep up the good work, It really inspire people like me. I am a self learning auto electrician.
Thanks for the message
Very informative and clean explanation of everything for Alternator :)
Interesting that there is a lot of variants how car alternator can be built.
Stator windings can be connected as Star Y or Delta Δ, in the case it's just 3 windings output will of them will have 120 degrees phase shift and some ripple.
Some alternators use 2 winding groups shifted by 60 degrees between them and 12 diodes rectifier (2x 6 per group). By shifting 2 groups with 60 degrees ripple is much lower which is mean less ripple/noise produced by alternator when charging/providing current for other loads.
As for my Mazda CX-9 2022 I found Alternator circuit schematic from MESI Mazda Electronic Service Information, alternator stator have 2 winding groups connected in Delta Δ and shifted by 60 degrees.
I think for BMW there should be something similar like electronic service manual/documentation.
Thanks for the video and one more subscription from me :)
Thanks for the message and the explanations
Superb tutorial. I've had a replacement alternator fail after just 800 miles for which I'm getting a refund under warranty. I've ordered a new one (different brand) but I've not had to return the failed one so I'd thought I'd have a go at diagnosing, and possibly repairing it as a back up. I've seen several other how-to videos on this but none come remotely close to this video.
Thanks for the message
Very good to learn therotically and practically 🙏👍
Thanks
You are an excellent teacher, for all automobile Electricians, thank you, I deserve at the age of 67, you are superb.
Thanks for the compliment
Great video
Excellent and detailed explanation. I hope your repair lasts and provides many more 1000's of KM of faithful travel! :D
Thanks for your comment
Earlier today I watch a video on the electronicsNmore channel and thought it was by far the best video on alternators I've ever seen. The algorithm recommended this video, and now this is by far the best video on alternators I've ever seen.
Thank you
Test. Firmly grasp the three leads before wrecktifying with one hand. Also firmly place a very sensitive part of your body against the neutral. You should feel three evenly spaced jolts which tells you to find a different hobby/career.
Not only the step by step makes easy to understand, the diagram makes a great way for people to follow. Great job!
Exellent video thanks a lot!
Thanks for your message !
My alternator was born in 1997 (I bought my Honda Civic that year) had no problem ever since. Many thanks for this awesome video.
thanks for the message
it's remarkable how a tiny little piece like a diode can stop an entire 1-2 ton car. It's easy to break things, but hard to fix them. How many people know how to repair an alternator?
Thank you for such a thorough, and understandable explanation! I've been trying to understand my not charging problem for months!
Thanks for the message
Is the voice AI generated?
Yes
I really appreciate showing that the negative is actually the alternator body, and how to check if point B has voltage. However the bench test did work for me. @5:55 I connected this way and there was a smoke, since wires got very hot and rubber on them melted. I think there should be load added (bulb, e.g.). My alternator has 4 points socket, and L point (ignition point) is the 2nd fm B point, if you are looking on then socket fm the right side of picture @5:55. Also in the Service Manual I have for the car I'm working on (2001 Saturn SL2), they advise w/one more step in diagnostic. After you determined that there is a power coming on ignition point (point L) you start the car w/that ignition plug disconnected and check for the code P0621 (Gen L Terminal Circuit), which always come as far as I understand, when you have Battery Light. If that code didn't come - check Charging System, if it comes (so w/l plug on the alternator disconnected) - replace PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Maybe it is not so for some cars, but this is how for Saturns. Most likely I fried Alternator running the car without EGR Valve (for carbon cleaning purposes). Thank you for the informative film.
You're welcome
Hi, What a well, detailed explanation, and fault tracing video!...I am from South Africa, and my son had a problem, (low charging voltage, on load) on his Ford 1300cc "Tonic" 5 door car.
Normal checking battery voltage, with engine off 12v...ok,
Battery voltage, engine running 13.8v...ok
Now the moment more load is added, (lights switched on etc), charging voltage reduces below 12v etc.
After checking similar checks, as per your fault finding video, finding all 6, (NPN and PNP Diodes) ok.
No Stator coil wires shorting to "Earth" etc.
Also replaced, with new Voltage-regulator...still low charging voltage while load added.
Now I went into "Brain-surgery mode" Ha ha!...
Reading your followers views, (and noticed that you award each one with a reply...which other video posters don`t always do!), I did`t see anybody mention the other "3 Diode-pack", that the Voltage-regulator uses to "sample" the Stator output AC voltage.
Well, coming back to my under charging voltage problem...here was the problem!.
1 of the 3 Diodes, were OPEN CIRCUIT, which then created the low charging output voltage, when on load, to the battery.
I replaced the "3 Diode-pack" with a new one and wolla!, Alternator producing full charging voltage on load!.
This "3 Diode-Pack" is stuck away, underneath the main 6 output Diode plate.
Thought I would just mention, to also check those 3 Diodes etc.
Keep up the good Tutoring!.
Andy Swanepoel.
East London,
South Africa.
Thanks for this detailed message. I haven't seen a 3 diodes pack on my alternator.
Except for the computer generated sounding voice, it is an excellent presentation. Very well organized, clear and concise.
Thanks for the comment. I don't speak english enough well to use my voice, so I use a computer generated voice.
This was an enjoyable 27 minute video, and very educational, great job.
Thank you
You have taken the time to properly explain how the alternator works . Thanks so much. Being looking for along time.
Thank you
excellent. give this man an award. videos like this deserve a thumbs up
thank you
Well explained..Now I have a fair idea of fixing my Alternator..Thanks alot mate
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You're the best! Really appreciate the soldering tips, that's gold for multiple other situations.
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this video make me feel like i was in class u explain everthing in detail nice work
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For me, with just a basic understanding of automotive electrics, 90% of this, left me in a confused state of mind.
For people that do understand what you are talking about, no doubt this was an excellent video.
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Thank you for this video i learned clearly how alternator works.. i just have finished my short course in electronics but my field is in automotive.. this video added my electrical knowledge.. thanks..
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Complete teaching . You got 1000 likes from me ❤❤❤❤❤...
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Very well explained..clear and intuitive...only issue was the lack of illumination on the diode bridge part...nice work
thanks
Even without a show of face, The explanation is detailed that laymen with a little bit of idea in electronics could understand. Your video is a valuable reference. keep it up and thank you...👋👋👍👍👍
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i just found this vid and love the way you explained it with diagram next to actual component. thank you sir
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Good, perfect, clear, audible narration of fluent and perfect lingua franca! ,👌
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There are 4,556,776 videos on this topic. But yours is the best. Thank you for a very informative eductional, and proessionally done stuff. I liked your video.
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Best alternator video I've ever watched good explanation and simple to understand
Thank you
Thank you for your valuable and very clear explanation of how an alternator works and how to test the various components of an alternator. I was impressed by your repair as well. Thank you again!
-Respectfully
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Well explained, easy to understand. Kudos to you!
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I watched this video from start to finish, I just want to thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I am only beginning to learn more about electronics and this was so much fun/interesting!
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This is the only video I'll ever need to watch about alternators. Im keeping it forever. ❤️
Thank you.
You are a really really good teacher. Please make one about the starter as well!
I have no starter that doesn't work. Thanks for the message.
This is first time to across a lecture like this. Thank you for educating.
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Excellent presentation and video. Thanks for making it crystal clear how it works, and what each component does. Great job with the interactive diagrams. Bravo !!!!
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This is the best tutorial I have ever had as an electrician 👏👏👏👏. Good job man.
Thank you
I understand everything you said !!!! Thank you very much for the explanation!!!!!!!!!! I feel I'm ready to check my alternator!!!!!
Thank you
Extremely thorough and comprehensive procedure and explanation. However, once you have determined that the alternator is not fully functional, if you value your time, simply replace the alternator. I agree that it is interesting to "root cause" the problem, but if you are on a multi-thousand-mile road trip, as I was recently when my 17-year-old alternator's brushes failed, you'll just want to replace it and move on without the detailed autopsy. I have had good luck with NAPA Auto parts, where the new alternator was about $150, with a $66 core charge. I always carry a low cost DMM (Digital Multi-Meter), which makes it easy to diagnose whether the charging system is working.
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Very interesting and perfect explanation and step by step guidance with neat understandable technical details of each component gives a through insight of how an alternator works and trouble shoot it. Thanks a lot for enhancing the electrical knowledge.
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My alternator is working fine for now but this was a really nice tutorial and I'm gonna save it for later. Thanks!
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I've been looking for such an indepth explanation for a long time. Thanks a lot
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Very detailed step by step explanation, learned a lot from the video. Thanks!
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Great job !! First time seeing something so in detail ... repair for an alternator. 👍👍👍👍
Thank you.
Great step by step explanations! Thank you
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Nice fix. Your description of what happened is correct.
Thanks
I must save this video, its a good one 😊
Really.. this is a brilliant video 👍🇮🇪🙏
Thank you
@@EnjoyWheels_En What if alternator output voltage is 15V to 15.5V??
How to reduce to 14.8V?
What's the exact cause of high output voltage over 15V?
Perfect explanation ✅
Thank you
Thank you for a very detailed & well explained video. Switching between the actual part & the wiring diagram made it very easy to understand!
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This is so informative, educational, well thought and very well put together, simply the best video about alternator there is. Thank you.
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One of the few wonderfully illustrated videos 👍
Thank you.
Excellent tutorial! This is good for students learning automotive electrical!
thank you
Thankyou for your knowledge I had bought a new alternator replacement as old one stopped charging and fitted it witch worked later came across this video and repaired my old alternator now I have a spare.
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what a wonderful video ,very clear with each and every component explained in real and in the diagram. Thank you very much for your time and effort in putting this video.
Thank you.
ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATION ON ALTERNATOR. AMAZING JOB KEEP IT ON GOING.
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THE ONE VIDEO TO DESTROY THEM ALL ! Awesome job
Thanks
Very nice video regarding alternator service, its parts,function and testing with the recommended values.good for everyone who like to automotive engineering and industrial engineering as well.
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ELEGANT EXPLANATION AND RECONFIGURATION!
EXCEPTIONALLY WELL DONE!
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Crazy good explanation. Thank you. I now understand alternators.
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You don't look like somebody i would have a hard time understanding, but frankly with how ai voices are usually used to spread miss information its nice to see one spitting out facts. excellent presentation.
Amazing tutorial and everything is explained in detail and with demonstration.
Thank you
Awesome video and Thank you for taking the time to produce such a detailed step by step analysis of the alternator and each of its components. But that is too much work for a non technical guy like me. As I learned in another video, you can test the diodes by switching the MM to Vac and with the engine running, place the probes on the battery terminals. IF you get a Vac reading, it means there is a problem with the diodes, IF no Vac reading then OK. That was my case, so just getting a whole new Alternator.
Thanks for these informations
The lesson was very good, explanation and teaching technique was excellent.
Thank you
One best illustration and best tutorial .Many thanks for sharing everyday is newday to me ,I have learnt something from you sir.
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Excellent video. I have a feeling just replaced my voltage regulator but it didn’t work, there was another issue with the alternator.