VIDEO: The Best (And Worst) Ways To Install A Decoupler Pulley
Andrew Markel discusses several installation and removal processes for decoupler pulleys, including which will produce the most reliable results.
VIDEO: Steering Vibration Or Moan On Honda Vehicles
Andrew Markel discusses steering noise, and the repair necessary to correct the noise and vibration conditions.
VIDEO: ECM Alternator Regulation; No More Full Field Testing
Andrew Markel explains how modern alternators are designed to have their loads regulated by the ECM, eliminating the need for full field testing.
VIDEO: Power Distribution From Alternator To Battery
Andrew Markel explains how the battery’s power from the alternator is distributed to the other electrical components.
Alternator Testing Diagnostics Are Getting More Complicated
One test is not enough if you are diagnosing a charging system problem. All too often, if only battery voltage is present with the engine running the alternator is condemned as the source of the problem. If this is the case, it means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why.
VIDEO: Crankshaft Vibration And Belt Components
Andrew Markel reveals the details on crankshaft operation and how the power pulses cause vibration and stress on the belt and the components it is attached to.
VIDEO: Check The Battery When Replacing The Alternator
Andrew Markel stresses the importance of checking the battery during an alternator replacement job, and replacing it if it is worn out or will not accept a charge.
VIDEO: Alternator Replacement: Tips To Perform The Complete Job
Andrew Markel offers several tips to keep in mind to make your next alternator replacement job long-lasting and reliable.
VIDEO: Charging System Diagnostics
Andrew Markel goes over alternator diagnostics and the tools and knowledge you need to maximize charging performance.
VW Beetle, Golf And Jetta: Broken Tensioner, Root Cause Of Failure Is Alternator Pulley
This type of failure is the result of severe vibrations in the accessory belt drive system. While a broken tensioner may be the result, the root cause often lies elsewhere in the system.
How Can You Tell If An Alternator Is Good Or Bad?
A dead battery, an alternator warning light, low charging voltage gauge reading or a “low voltage” warning message would tell you there’s a problem with the charging system, but it doesn’t tell you if the problem is a bad alternator or something else.
Bench Testing Can Reveal If The Alternator Is The Problem
Today’s computer-controlled charging systems tailor the charging rate not only to the electrical demands on the battery and alternator, but also to changing driving conditions. That makes diagnosis much more difficult when something goes wrong.
