Tech Tip: Take Care of Your Alternator as Winter Approaches
The alternator, which powers the vehicle’s entire electrical system, not only provides current to operate all of your car’s electrical accessories and the engine – it keeps the vehicle’s battery charged, and its importance is amplified as the weather turns colder and the vehicle uses more power-robbing accessories.
Tech Tip: Easy Fix for Mazda TPS Connection
Some Mazda B-2500 drivers may complain of a high idle in vehicles with a manual transmission. This may be caused by a poor electrical connection at the wire harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). A service kit (P/N 1F00-18-145) is available to resolve this concern. Correct the condition by following the steps in this Tech Tip.
Diagnostic Solutions: Alternator Testing Tips
When we’re attempting to diagnose a charging system failure, it helps to think of the battery’s state of charge (SOC) as a type of checking account. If we overdraw our account, we wake up the next morning with an engine that won’t crank. Or, if we overdraw our account and not balancing our account at the end of the day, we again are greeted with a slow-cranking engine and an overdrawn charging system account.
Tech Feature: The Nuts and Bolts of Belt and Hose Service
Today, belts and hoses are a routine inspection item and may not need replacement even at 100,000 miles or more of service. Unfortunately, many vehicle owners and technicians forget that heat, load, pressure and atmospheric pollutants eventually deteriorate a vehicle’s rubber parts.
Tech Tip: Dozens of Additional Vehicle Models Now Factory-Equipped with OAD Decouplers
Dozens of the latest vehicle models from domestic and import manufacturers are now factory equipped with overrunning alternator decouplers (OAD). The rapidly growing popularity of this sophisticated technology – now featured on more than 60 popular applications – is changing the way parts providers and repair professionals specify alternators, belts and pulleys for replacement applications.
Tech Tip: Toyota Charging Improvement at Idle
Some customers with a 1998-2003 Sienna may complain of a low battery or no-start condition after running the engine at idle or low RPM for extended
Avoiding Alternator Comebacks: Did Your Supplier Provide the Right Pulley?
Automotive repair businesses that install remanufactured alternators are urged to verify that their units are equipped with overrunning alternator decoupler (OAD) pulleys for the growing number of late-model vehicles now requiring this advanced technology.
Tech Feature: Breezing Through Ignition Off Draw Tests
One of the biggest differences in servicing the Sebring convertible from other Chrysler models was its battery location – behind the driver’s side wheel well.
DENSO Sales California Releases New 2009 Starter and Alternator Catalog
DENSO Sales California has announced the availability of a new 2009 Starter and Alternator catalog (#SA-CAT-0409) for its First Time Fit Starter and Alternator line. The expanded catalog includes 105 new part numbers, 165 additional product photos and 163 new applications covering more than 10 million additional units in operation (UIO).
Tech Tip: Be Careful When Handling Alternators with Floating Stators
Some original equipment alternators made in recent years feature a “floating stator” that is more sensitive to proper handling than previous designs. “The stator, or set of windings that surround the rotor, is press fitted or in a very tight tolerance situation in most alternator designs,” said Fred Padgett, group product manager for starters and alternators for Bosch.
Toyota 4Runner Drive Belt Noise Creates Driver Tension
Some Toyota 4Runner drivers may complain of a “squealing” or “chirping” sound from the accessory drive belt when the engine is first started. An improved auto tensioner assembly, flange bolt, V-rib belt and service procedure have been developed to correct the condition.
Evolving Ignition Control Systems
Require Knowledge of Crankshaft & Camshaft Sensor Function