The generator is the main source of electrical energy of the car during the engine running. The malfunction of the operation of the generator entails extremely negative consequences. For this reason, it should be especially carefully monitored by the generator performance. On most cars, check the operation of the generator with their own hands will not be particular difficulties. Checking the car generator is carried out using a multimeter and is made according to the same principle on all vehicles.

Generator, device and purpose

The main elements of the automotive generator are:

1. Stator with windings;
2. Rotor;
3. Diode bridge;
4. Voltage regulator;
5. Pulley;
6. Lids from aluminum alloys;
7. Fan;
8. Contact rings;
9. Stress rectifier;
10. Bearings;
11. Nuts, bolts and washers.

The main purpose of the automotive generator is the transformation of the mechanical energy coming from the engine using the belt transmission to the electric. Electrical energy transformed by the generator provides the normal operation of the on-board electrical system of the car and charging the battery.

Signs of the malfunction of the generator

According to statistics of malfunction in the electric system, there are in the top three leaders in the frequency of occurrence. By type, they can be divided into two main groups, the first centuries of food (headlights, ignition, magnetol, on-board computer, etc.), and the second sources of electrical energy (rechargeable battery and generator).

Faults arising in the generator can also be divided into two main categories, namely:

• Mechanical malfunctions;
• Electric faults.

This separation occurs due to the fact that the generator is both a mechanical aggregate and electric.

The mechanical type of car generator faults include:

• Deformation or damage to the case and fasteners;
• Belt wear;
• Malfunction in the work of bearings;
• Malfunction of clamping springs;
• Other faults are neither not related to the electrical part.

The electrical type of car generator faults belongs:

• Wear and burning graphite brushes;
• Insulation samples;
• Breaking stator windings;
• Multivan closure of stator windings;
• Malfunction of a diode bridge;
• Circuit.

The main signs of the automotive generator malfunction:

• Foreign sound published by the generator;
• Recharged or fully discharged battery;
• Battery discharge control lamp constantly glows when the engine is running;
• Weak vehicle headlights at a running engine;
• Weak beep during engine running.

Interesting! Some features may occur on certain types of engine, so the gasoline engine will not be able to work for a long time with a faulty generator. This is due to the fact that the battery is discharged and ceases to produce a spark on the ignition candle. This problem is unusual for diesel engines, since the ignition of the fuel mixture in the cylinders occurs due to compression. And in the bright time of the day, the generator failure is not always obtained.

Safety in working, which cannot be done when checking the generator

When working related to repair, replacement and troubleshooting in the automotive generator, in no case should be allowed to be allowed:

• Toosol, oils or other liquids directly to the generator;
• With a faulty voltage straightener (diode bridge), leave a car with a connected battery;
• With terminals taken from the battery, leave the generator turned on;
• Crop the findings generators among themselves to verify its work;
• Remove the terminals from the battery when the engine is running.

How to check the voltage regulator

Without a voltage regulator, no car generator is unable to do. This element of the generator provides support for the current voltage current. So, when the voltage regulator faults is malfunction, the current, electricity output by the generator will constantly change, depending on the engine revolutions. So at high engine speed voltage will reach more than 20 volts. As a result, this tension will disable all consumers of the electric car system.

Important! To check the operation of the regulator, the voltage must be attracted to the assistant.

The voltage controller performance check occurs on the engine running using a multimeter, and is performed in the following sequence:

1. Open the car hood;
2. We prepare the multimeter (set to the "DC measurement" position);
3. The assistant sits into the car and brings the engine to 3 thousand rpm;
4. In the terminals of the battery, we produce voltage measurement (if the voltage on the terminals corresponds to the norm and does not exceed 14.8 volts, the voltage regulator is considered completely properly, otherwise go to the next step);
5. With additional (preferably copper) cable connect the car body with the generator body;
6. Bring the engine to 3 thousand rpm;
7. We once again manufacture voltage at the battery terminals (if the voltage turns out to be higher than the norm, this indicates a voltage regulator fault);
8. If, with the second test, the voltage corresponds to the norm, it speaks of poor contact "mass". To eliminate this problem, it is necessary to clean the surface of the "mass" contact.

Important! The voltage of 14.8 volts is considered the norm on passenger cars, with the shutdowns of electrotransstructors (light, radio, air conditioning, etc.).

How to check the diode bridge of the generator

The diode bridge of the car generator acts as a voltage rectifier, it provides an alternating current transformation into a permanent. Its feature is that it allows for electric current through itself only in one direction.

Checking the generator diode bridge is carried out using a multimeter and is as follows:

1. We establish a multimeter in the "Corresponds" mode;
2. Nick the diode;
3. We change the probe in places.
4. Reappear this diode again;
5. We repeat this procedure with all diodes.

Important! Competitive diodes should be nicknamed only in one direction and have resistance in 450-800 ohms.

Current return, how to check the recoil current

The recoil current is checked using a multimatra tick. The process of changing the current is convenient to spend with a partner.

Checking the car generator gathering current is as follows:

1. The partner turns the engine, and brings its turnover to 3 thousand;
2. Install the ammeter mode on the multimeter;
3. Multimeter ticks wrap the wire that goes to contact number 30 (B +);
4. Alternately, we turn on the entire electric consumer in the car (write the indicators of each electrotype and fold them);
5. Now we turn on all the electrotransmitters at the same time, and write a multimeter readings;
6. Compare the testimony of the multimeter, the differences between the two testimony should not exceed 5 ampers.

Generator excitation current how to check the generator excitation current

The excitation current of the generator is also more convenient to measure the mites of the multimeter. It is convenient to measure with a partner. The measurement of the excitation current of the generator is as follows:

1. The partner turns the engine, and brings its turnover to 3 thousand (the engine must work on high speeds a short time);
2. Install the ammeter mode on the multimeter;
3. Multimeter ticks wrap the wire that goes to contact number 67 (D +);
4. Remove the testimony from the multimatra;
5. The excitation current on a regular generator should be from 3 to 7 amps.

Tips of professionals

To avoid problems with the operation of the generator. It is necessary to periodically check the car generator strap stretch.

In the manufacture of welding works on the car body, you must disconnect from the car of the generator and battery terminal.

It is necessary to immediately take measures when sunbathing the battery indicator.

It is necessary to periodically produce stripping and tightening of electrical wiring contacts. This will largely increase the service life of the electrical system of the car.

Checking the operation of the car generator is best done in conjunction with a partner. This will greatly facilitate and speed up the process of checking the operation of the generator.

We also recommend reading our articles. "Electrolyte for battery" and "Battery for a car, how to increase battery life".