If your car’s battery is low, the car will usually start with the key in the ignition. If you have a problem with your alternator, the car may not start at all. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do if you have a bad alternator and your car won’t start.
What is an Alternator?
An alternator is a device that helps your car’s battery power the vehicle. When the battery is drained, the alternator kicks in to provide power until the battery can be recharged. If your alternator is bad, your car’s lights may not come on.
When is it Time to Replace an Alternator?
If your car’s battery is low, the car’s lights will probably come on. This is because the car’s computer relies on the battery to keep track of things like the time and fuel levels. If the battery is low, the computer will use whatever power is available to it- in this case, the car’s lights.
If you’ve been having problems with your car not starting, or if your car has been giving you warning messages about low battery, it might be time to replace your alternator. An alternator is a device that turns electrical power into mechanical power- in other words, it helps your car start. If it’s worn out, or if there’s something wrong with it, your alternator might not be able to do its job and your car might not start at all.
How to Test an Alternator
An alternator is a device that converts electricity from the battery into current to power your vehicle. If it’s not working, your car’s lights might not come on. Here’s how to test your alternator:
1. Turn the key in the ignition and wait a few seconds for the car to start.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery.
3. Connect one end of a voltmeter to the black (negative) terminal on the alternator and the other end to a good ground like an aluminum post or metal spike in the ground.
4. Turn on the voltmeter and wait until it reaches 12 volts. The alternator should produce this voltage when it’s working properly. If it doesn’t, there may be a problem with your alternator and you’ll need to replace it.
Conclusion
If your car’s headlights don’t come on when you turn the key, there is a good chance that your alternator is bad. If this is the case, you will need to replace the alternator before your car will start.