Symptoms of Alternator Overcharging and How to Fix Overcharging Issue
The alternator is a kind of electric generator. In addition to the various parts of the automobile, there is also a battery including alternator. And we all know that batteries run on charge. It needs electricity. But the vehicles usually cannot generate electricity. At that time, the best alternators are helping to charge the battery which helps run your car. Therefore, alternator overcharging is a severe issue to the vehicles and you should know the ins and outs of this.
Thus, the vehicle requires an additional source to charge this battery. The alternator is doing this work. This electric generator provides the power needed to charge your car's battery. This alternator supplies power to car batteries and other electrical systems available in a car. As soon as the car engine starts, it will start working.
So, you have understood that an alternator is an essential part of a vehicle. If it becomes weak for some reason, it will not supply the right amount of power. The main topic we are talking about today is alternate overcharging. It is a common problem in almost all automobiles. So, let’s talk about the symptoms of alternator overcharging and how to fix overcharging issues.
How an alternator is overcharged?
You can face alternator overcharging for many reasons. Some problems are mechanical, and some people cause issue by mistake. Let’s discuss them one by one.
- Alternator overcharging occurs when the battery condition is weak.
- You may face overcharging and overheated alternator due to a failed regulator.
- Driving at breakneck speeds on broken roads can cause battery cells to break down one by one. This causes the alternator wires to break. As a result, the alternator becomes overcharging.
- Overcharging occurs even if your driver or mechanic do not install or replace the batter correctly.
- Installing the wrong alternator in the wrong car creates overcharging. Overcharge occurs if you also install higher output alternator. In this case, the alternator voltage is too high.
- High-performance cars and low-performance cars have not same alternators. If a sports car alternator is fitted to a stock passenger car, there will raise overcharging issue.
- Alternator overcharging occurs if a regulator cannot read the electricity level correctly.
- If the alternator’s size and output do not match according to the vehicle requirement, the alternator becomes overcharged.
- An external regulator maintains the electricity of the alternator. This external resolution transmits the same amount of electricity when the alternator needs it. If for some reason, the contact between them is closed or stuck, then you will face overcharging.
- A Bad alternator will overcharge car battery.
- Newer alternators now have sensors attached. As a result, it can supply the right amount of voltage and power for a battery. However, if there is an error in the sensor, it will get the wrong signal. And it will cause the overcharging car battery.
Symptoms of Alternator Overcharging
So far, you have known the reasons why alternators are overcharged. Obviously, it is a big issue for automobile users. And they need to find out this problem. If they can’t find out the problem, it will damage their vehicles. To find out the problem, they need to learn about the symptoms.
- High Voltage Reading: An overcharging alternator significantly increases the voltmeter readings. So, you can easily understand it. The voltage reading won’t match to the speed of the engine.
- Low Battery Heating Issue: When alternator overcharge causes, the battery generates more heat. It also occurs more electrolyte loss. When it is overcharged, then excess electricity flows into it. This extra electricity accumulates on the battery plate and generates heat. This also causes overheating.
- Bulb Damage: The overcharging alternator burns out the car lights. Overcharging alternator not only increases the speed of car engines but also brighten the bulbs. Thus, cause burnout bulbs, and it happens repeatedly.
- Battery Damage: One way to understand alternator overcharge is to inflate the battery. Excess hydrogen enters the battery due to the faulty alternator. This causes the battery to swell and deteriorate. If the battery is damaged, change good brand battery like Acdelco hybrid battery.
- Liquid Draining: If the liquid electrolyte leaks out of your car battery, you know that your car's alternator is overcharging.
How to fix an alternator overcharging Issue?
Alternator overcharging symptoms are concerning issues for automobile users. If we face this problem, we should solve it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can occur damage of our car engine and other parts. There are many ways to solve it. There is not only one reason behind this issue. There are several reasons behind it.
So, we need to find out the exact reason and solve them. There are so many options you have to troubleshoot your vehicle alternator. The solutions are given below:
- In most cases, the alternator is overcharged due to regulatory problems. So, you can solve it by changing the old regulator and installing a new regulator.
- The car's engine control computer manages the alternator. If the computer has a problem, then it supplies the wrong energy. The changing control computer can solve overcharging.
- It should be replaced if the alternator is damaged or wicked. And when installing a new alternator, make sure you are purchasing better alternator such as ACDelco or DB Electrical and the alternator should fulfill your vehicle requirements.
- Alternator overcharging issue can be solved by repairing the regulator.
- You should also check the ground connection of the battery. If the terminator is too old, the contacts will rust. As a result, problems can be seen in the power supply very quickly. If this is the case, then overcharging can be eliminated by re-servicing these connections.
- If you need to replace the car battery, then go for a healthy system. Without a proper guideline, don’t try to do anything of your own.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we are at the end of our topic. Alternator overcharging is a common problem for vehicles. This problem is solved as it is created. However, some things to keep in mind from the beginning to overcome this problem. It would help if you kept a good battery in the car, a consistent alternator, and a new computer control engine.
If you have this in your car and take care of your car parts, then there is very little chance of experiencing problems due to alternator overcharge. Another vital thing to say is that never replace an alternator or regulator without proper guidelines and manuals.