Troubleshooting guidelines: Alternators

Troubleshooting guidelines: Alternators - INSTALLATION STEPS

1
Determine the cause of Before installing a new alternator - please determine what caused the old alternator to break down. Was it due to
the breakdown usually wear or caused by a fault in the surrounding environment?

Fitting a new alternator will not improve the rest of the system, if the actual problem is to be located in the

2
Fault in the surrounding surrounding like cables, filters, relays, pipes. Defects not repaired, might risk to damage also the new alternator
environment (for further info, see troubleshooting guidelines).

Always check OE references from old alternator through wholesaler or www.elstock.dk for correct identification
3 Compare the old and
new alternator
of new alternator. Here you will also be able find details about measurements, plug and pulley.

Before installation, do a physical comparison of the new alternator and the uninstalled alternator in terms of
4 Physically comparison mounting hole locations, wire connector locations, plug and pulley dimensions.

Please make sure that all threaded fasteners are properly torqued, and that the alternator is fasten in the right

5 Installation
position. Install the belt and tighten the tensioner adjusting bolts. Reconnect the circuit wiring and battery positive
cable to the alternator, and do a final inspection of all wires, cables and connectors for cracks or damage. Reconnect
battery negative cable and start the engine.

Please notice that on some item numbers, a label or sticker will be attached to the unit, informing that there is a
6 Special attention need for special attention at installation of the alternator.

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Troubleshooting guidelines: Alternators - POSSIBLE ERRORS

Problem Cause How to identify Why the problem occurs Solution Preventive actions

Too high voltages The sensor/battery Charging lamp will light Broken wire or poor/ Replace wire or fuse. Check before
setpoint. monitoring/terminal in the dash board. burn out fuse. replacement if
lacks voltage (S). sensor wire (S) has full
batter y voltage.

Overheated alternator/ Extreme high charging. Alternator is hot and Too high usage of the Check the alternator
risk of belt bursting. begins to smell, and charging due to too high for abnormal heating at
the voltage setting is consumption in vehicle, or too low voltage setting. Measure the total
below (13.5V-13.7V). wrong mounting of alter- The problem might consumption of the
nator with too low usage. also be related to vehicle by measuring
other parts like the on the negative battery
preheated relay terminal.
(Diesel), which in case
shall be replaced.

The charging lamp Lower charging of the The dashboard There is fault in the Return the alternator for Always order alternator
does not turn off in the battery than expected. charging lamp does not communication inspection. based on the OE item
dashboard. turn off after start. between vehicle and number on the original
alternator. alternator installed on
the vehicle.

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Troubleshooting guidelines: Alternators - POSSIBLE ERRORS

Problem Cause How to identify Why the problem occurs Solution Preventive actions

Alternator is corroded. Flooded with water or The dashboard charging Liquid leakage from Locate and repair the Check the engine for
leakage in the cooling lamp does not turn off the cooling system, or leak in the cooling reasons for the
system. after start. not enough protection system, or the cause water entrance before
of the engine room of water entrance by installation of new
against water from installing better starter, in case the
outside. protection. previous alternator
was corroded.

Alternator is flooded Worn brushes or slip Check the filters close The leaking filters Locate the leak, and Check the surrounding
with diesel oil. rings due to leaking to the alternator for have not been replace filter. of the alternator for
filters. leaks. replaced correctly. oil on filters etc.

Alternator is flooded Worn brushes or slip Oil on the steering The leaking pump or Locate the leak, and Check the surrounding
with servo oil. rings due to leak in the pump, connected pipes pipes/clamps/hoses replace pump/pipe/ of the alternator for
steering pump or or hoses. have not been clamps or hose. oil on pumps etc.
related pipes/hoses. replaced.

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Troubleshooting guidelines: Alternators - POSSIBLE ERRORS

Problem Cause How to identify Why the problem occurs Solution Preventive actions

Alternator is not charging Missing lamp function Check lamp wire for Blown bulb or blown Change bulb or fuse.
after installing. or missing ignition input voltage output, check fuse.
(IG) to alternator. ignition wire for voltage
output.

Alternator is charging Extremely high Measure total Consumer connected Remove consumer one
but get extremly consumption on car. consumption on constantly (FI solonoid by one to locate.
warm and voltage ground cable from for heater system,
drops below 14V. battery. Diesel).

Too low voltage on Voltage drop. Turn on all consumers, Rusty / annoyed ca- Clean and spray Clean and spray
battery. measure with volt meter bling / plug instalation. installation.
from B+ battery to B+
alternator and from
B- battery to ground,
measuring must be no
more than 0.3V.