This is a question that is asked when you face the engine start issues, and when you have to check if the alternator is in order. The alternator output voltage is a crucial parameter. For the most cars, the regular voltage is considered to be from 13.8 up to 14.4V – regardless of the engine operation mode and the number of the consumers that are on. The precise values are specified in a vehicle user manual.
Is it enough though to measure the output voltage to check if the alternator operates well? It’s pretty unlikely. Inconformity with the normal voltage value, commonly, is a result of the broken voltage regulator. At other malfunctions, the voltage remains standard.
Besides, you should take into account that the alternators of the modern cars are equipped with the digital and controlled voltage regulators that can fail partially, losing the ability to perform just one of the functions. For example, the voltage regulator stopped transmitting the signal through FR return path to the engine control unit. It will cause the continuous battery charging by the alternator. This malfunction will be hardly indicated on the instrumental panel, and this error wouldn’t be detected during car diagnostics by a tester. Moreover, there wouldn’t be a negative impact of the mentioned failure on a car that runs in the city. Yet, if you drive long distances, between the cities, the battery will be continuously charged, and will lose its capacity pretty soon.
It’s only the special equipment that is able to accurately and comprehensively evaluate the technical condition of the alternator and check all its output characteristics.
MSG Equipment has developed the line of the test benches for alternator diagnostics:
- MS006 COM and MS004 COM – the test benches at the reasonable price, for garages and small car service stations. These benches have enough power to test the passenger car alternators.
- MS002 and MS008 – for bigger rebuilders. With high power, these benches can test the alternators at wide voltage range. Both benches are designed for the diagnostics of alternators, starters and voltage regulators – separately from alternators.
- MS005 – the most powerful test bench, for the developers and manufacturers of starters and alternators as well as for rebuilders of the starters and alternators of trucks.
Contact our sales managers to learn more about the capabilities of the equipment for the alternator diagnostics.
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