What Kind Of Alternator Do I Have?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Look for the

number

on the . If you can't see the entire number, remove the adjustable bracket with a wrench. Take off the alternator and find the part number on it. Once you have the number, you have the identification of your alternator.

How do I tell what kind of alternator I have?

Look for a diagram under or near your fuse box cover. It will have individual amperage numbers (sometimes along with volts) already set by the manufacturer. Add up those numbers to find what amperage your alternator needs to feed the car's electrical system. Verify this number with the part manufacturer, if necessary.

Where is the part number on an alternator?

Where to find the part number depends on the make and model of the Alternator. On most if not all Alernators the part number and Amps are found

on a label on the side or end of the Alernator

.

How do I find out the size of my alternator?

Your alternator should be capable of delivering rated output equal to the maximum acceptance rate of your house battery bank. In other words, the alternator's rating should be equal to 25 percent (lead acid) 30 percent (gel) or

45 percent (AGM) of your total battery capacity

.

Can I use a universal alternator?

Unlike an OEM specific alternator, a universal alternator

works on a variety of vehicle engines

. The universal are designed to meet or exceed the recommended engine specifications. A core charge is taken anytime you purchase an alternator from AutoZone.

What are the 3 wires for on a alternator?

The three wire types in a three-wire alternator include the

battery positive wire, the voltage sensing wire, and the ignition input wire

. The battery positive wire connects to the starter. The voltage sensing wire connects to the battery, and the ignition wire connects from the alternator to the key switch.

How do I identify my Delco alternator?

  1. Open your car hood and secure it. …
  2. Look to see if the Delco Remy alternator has vent holes in the side. …
  3. Look at the rear of the alternator. …
  4. Read the label on the back of the alternator. …
  5. Under the label the name Delco Remy is moulded into the aluminum back plate.

How do you know if you need a bigger alternator?

You might need a bigger alternator for your

sound system

When it comes to car audio, more power means more sound and vice versa. If you want your music to be big and loud with a huge bass response, you need a big amplifier with a big subwoofer—and a lot of power to run it.

Can I put any alternator in my car?

so the only problem with putting a different alternator on would be the purpose of the terminals on a different alternator, as well as their size and design. also pulley type, but that could be fixed by finding an appropriate diameter pulley of the right type, which shouldn't be to difficult.

How do I know if my car has a smart alternator?

If your readings are around 14.4V DC then then you most likely have the traditional, non-smart alternator. If your reading is

closer to 12.5-13.5V

then it's likely that you have a smart alternator.

How big of an alternator do I need for 3000 watts?

3000 watt / 12V is equal to

250A

. A 250A alternator is needed to keep up with it. Since your engine would have to work just as hard as any portable 3KW generator to keep up with the amplifier, you would need a large fuel tank.

How big of an alternator do I need for 1000 watts?

As a general rule, you need

about 100 amps of current for every 1000 watts of power generated

. Add that to the base electrical requirements of your vehicle for the total amount of amp-hours you need for your system. Example: You plan to install a 2,000 watt amplifier.

Can an alternator be too powerful?


You can never have too much amperage

when it comes to alternators; therefore, you never have to worry about choosing an alternator with too high of a rated output. … Amperage is basically the amount of electrical current your alternator can supply. And it basically operates off of supply and demand.

What does a new alternator cost?

When your car starts having electrical problems, it's a sign you need an alternator replacement. Considering the price of a new alternator as well as labor, you should expect to spend anywhere

between $500 and $1,000

to get a new one for your vehicle.

How do I know if my alternator is bad?

  1. Dim or Overly Bright Lights. …
  2. Dead Battery. …
  3. Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories. …
  4. Trouble Starting or Frequent Stalling. …
  5. Growling or Whining Noises. …
  6. Smell of Burning Rubber or Wires. …
  7. Battery Warning Light on Dash.

Can AutoZone change an alternator?


You can bring the vehicle to AutoZone and have the alternator tested on the vehicle

to ensure the charging system is performing correctly. … For the best prices on name-brand alternators, affordable hand tools, and precision replacement parts, visit your local AutoZone.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.