Car Alternator Smoking? (Common Causes And How To Troubleshoot)
Car Alternator Smoking? (Common Causes And How To Troubleshoot). In this video I will talk about car alternator smoking.
Here’s what causes it:
Faulty alternator bearings
Alternators have metal bearings coated with lubricant to reduce friction while rotating at high speeds. Lack of lubrication in the bearings will increase friction, which may generate heat and smoke as the balls rub against each other. If this issue goes unaddressed for a long time, it may lead to increased fire risk.
Bad diode
Alternators come with diodes for converting the generated alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC), which can then be supplied to the vehicle's electrical systems. This continuous AC-DC conversion generates a lot of heat, which may lead to the alternator smoking if not dissipated efficiently.
A malfunctioning alternator cooling system
Alternators are equipped with a cooling system consisting of a fan and vents to help dissipate the heat generated during operation.
Now, let’s look at how to troubleshoot the issue:
After ascertaining that your alternator is smoking, it is crucial that the underlying issue be diagnosed and fixed to restore the alternator's normal operation. If the issue is tied to a failing cooling system, it's more practical to address it first before proceeding to the alternator.
Before attempting any fixes on the alternator, it is crucial to test it for failure. Common alternator tests include:
A headlight test
• To perform the headlight test, observe if the headlights remain dim or brighten when the engine is revved.
• Dim headlights at higher engine RPMs indicate possible alternator malfunctions.
Voltage supply test
• To perform this test, find yourself a multimeter and calibrate it to DC voltage.
• Next, measure the voltage across the alternator's probes while the engine runs.
• The voltage should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. For your vehicle's specific alternator voltage, refer to your owner's manual or consult with a professional.
• The alternator is faulty if its voltage supply drops significantly below the required voltage value.
If the test shows that the alternator is faulty, then an alternator replacement may be necessary to clear the problem. Here is a generalized procedure to replace the alternator;
• Disconnect your car battery and all wiring from the alternator.
• Remove the alternator pulley belt and undo its mounting bolts.
• Unmount the alternator, replace it with a new one with similar manufacturer specifications, and repeat the steps in reverse order.
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