Charging System Troubleshoot - No start, Noisy alternator, fuses burn out quickly, battery not charged

General Automotive Repair

The general troubleshooting guide lists common vehicle symptoms with possible solutions and is not for any particular vehicle make and model. For repair info specifically for your make and model please view the main category.

Car Will Not Start

• Dead battery: Check battery cells, alternator belt tension and alternator output
• Loose or corroded battery connections: Check all charging system connections
• Ignition circuit or switch malfunction: Check and replace as necessary

Alternator Light Stays On With Engine Running

• Loose or worn alternator drive belt: Check alternator drive tension and condition
• Loose alternator wiring connections: Check all charging system connections
• Short in alternator light wiring
• Defective alternator stator or diodes
• Defective regulator

Alternator Light Stays Off With Ignition Switch ON

• Blown fuse
• Defective alternator
• Defective indicator light bulb or socket

Alternator Light Stays OFF With Ignition Switch ON

• Short in alternator wiring
• Defective rectifier bridge

Lights or Fuses Burn Out Frequently

• Defective alternator wiring
• Defective regulator
• Defective battery: Check and replace as necessary

Ammeter Gauge Shows Discharge

• Loose or worn drive belt: Check alternator drive belt tension and condition.
• Defective wiring: Check all wires and wire connections
• Defective alternator or regulator
• Defective ammeter, or improper ammeter wiring connection

Noisy Alternator

• Loose drive pulley: Tighten drive pulley attaching nut
• Loose mounting bolts: Tighten all alternator mounting bolts
• Worn or dirty bearings
• Defective diodes or stator

Battery Doesn't Stay Charged

• Loose or worn drive belt: Check alternator drive belt tension and condition.
• Loose or corroded battery connections: Check all charging system connections
• Loose alternator connections: Check all charging system connections
• Defective alternator or battery
• Add-on electrical accessories exceeding alternator capacity: Install larger alternator

Battery Overcharged-Uses Too Much Water

• Defective battery: Check alternator output and repair as necessary
• Defective alternator
• Excessive alternator voltage: Check alternator output and repair as necessary

General Automotive Repair

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