Charging System Components: Alternator

The alternator is a serviceable component. If there is a diagnosed failure of the alternator it must be replaced as an assembly. The engine drive belt drives the alternator. When the rotor is spun it induces an alternating current (AC) into the stator windings. The AC voltage is then sent through a series of diodes for rectification. The rectified voltage has been converted into a direct current (DC) for use by the vehicles electrical system to maintain electrical loads and the battery charge. The voltage regulator integral to the alternator controls the output of the alternator. The voltage regulator controls the amount of current provided to the rotor. If the alternator has field control circuit failure, the alternator defaults to an output voltage of 13.8 V.