Can a Car Run Without an Alternator?

An alternator is an integral component to the operation of a vehicle's engine. The alternator takes power from the vehicle's battery and supplies power to the serpentine belt to turn the engine, and the vehicle cannot operate without a healthy alternator.

Description

The alternator is a metal device, often silver in color and connected to the vehicle's drive belt. It has several terminals that connect to the car's charging system, an internal winding, circulation vents on either side and a drive pulley on one end. Its hard cover is held on by bolts and can be removed.

Failure

Typically, an alternator will stop working with little or no warning. This problem will often cause the vehicle's battery light to come on, leading the driver to believe his battery has died. An alternator can be tested with a voltmeter to determine if it has failed. If so, it will have to be replaced.

Replacement

Replacing your alternator is a relatively simple, yet time-consuming job. It can be done by slipping the drive belt off the alternator's pulley, unbolting the alternator off the engine and putting a new one in place.

References

• Auto Shop 101: Understanding the Alternator
• Mister Fixit: Alternators - what are they, how do they work and what breaks?