What causes a brand new alternator to go bad?

What causes a brand new alternator to go bad?

Alternators put out alternating current, and the battery needs direct current to charge, so there is a voltage rectifier that converts it, and it can suddenly go bad, too. Dust and dirt can get into the alternator, and over time cause shorts or wear on the brushes.

Do alternators go out suddenly?

The alternator is a key component in running the electrical systems in your car. When your alternator begins to fail it can cause a variety of different electrical problems in your car, and eventually cause a breakdown. Alternators can go bad suddenly, or slowly over time.

How long does it take for an alternator to kick in?

Most of the answers are right in some aspect, most alternators do start charging as soon as the engine is running. Except the ones that are computer controlled which for the last 10+ years is the new normal. There is a definite lag from startup to active charging but only a few seconds.

What can damage an alternator?

Driving a vehicle through water that is deep enough to splash or flood the alternator can damage the alternator shaft bearings and possibly the brushes and electronics inside the unit as well. Water can also cause corrosion that over time will damage the wiring and bearings inside the alternator.

Will a bad ground kill an alternator?

Bad grounds and other wiring issues can eventually kill an Alternator.

Can you get a bad new alternator?

There are only a few ways an alternator can go bad, but they tend to happen suddenly without a lot of warning. Besides not charging the battery, this can also throw the serpentine drive belt, causing overheating.

How long will an engine run without an alternator?

It entirely depends on the capacity of the car battery. If the battery does not have a full charge, the vehicle may run from 5 to 30 minutes. The runtime will increase in case of a fully charged battery.

Can you drive with a bad alternator?

If the alternator is going or has gone bad, in most cases the vehicle can be driven for a short distance and for a short period of time, allowing you to make it to a service station or automotive parts store for a replacement alternator.

Is it OK to drive my car with a bad alternator?

How long will a new battery last with a bad alternator?

In this situation, the battery could last as little as 30 minutes. If you are lucky and could get up to two hours. Note: In case you have to start the car without an alternator, don’t turn off the engine once you’re going. Starting the car flattens the battery down quickly.

Can a bad alternator ruin a brand new battery?

Yes. The alternator can have a bad diode which allows A/C to flow to the battery. It does not take long for A/C to damage battery cells.