Alternator and Charging System

The alternator is a component of a vehicle's charging system that generates electricity to recharge the battery and power the electrical systems of the vehicle. It works by using a belt-driven pulley system to spin a rotor inside a stator. As the rotor spins, it generates an electromagnetic field that produces an electrical current. This current is then converted from AC to DC by the rectifier bridge, which is a set of diodes that only allow current to flow in one direction.

The charging system of a vehicle is responsible for ensuring that the battery is recharged and maintained at an appropriate level of charge while the engine is running. It is made up of several components, including the alternator, battery, voltage regulator, and wiring.

When the engine is running, the alternator produces electricity that is used to power the vehicle's electrical systems, such as the lights, radio, and air conditioning. At the same time, it also recharges the battery, which provides power to start the engine and operate the vehicle's electrical systems when the engine is off.

If there is a problem with the charging system, the battery may not be recharged properly, which can cause the battery to become drained and eventually fail. Common signs of a charging system problem include dimming or flickering headlights, a battery warning light on the dashboard, difficulty starting the engine, and a dead battery.

When Cardinal Plaza Shell has a vehicle for a charging system problem, the technician will typically perform a series of tests to diagnose the issue. This may include testing the battery, alternator, and voltage regulator to determine which component is faulty. Depending on the cause of the problem, the technician may need to replace one or more components, repair damaged wiring, or perform other repairs to ensure that the charging system is functioning properly.

All alternator and charging system repairs are backed by our industry leading 3 year/1,000,000 Mile warranty!