Can an alternator fry a computer?

It is never the amperage capabilities of the alternator that causes damage. What can cause damage is too low voltage. The voltage in a HO Alternator is regulated exactly the same as the stock unit, keeping ECU

ECU

An engine control unit (ECU), also commonly called an engine control module (ECM), is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance.

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Engine_control_unit

Engine control unit - Wikipedia

and electronics safe.

Can a bad alternator cause computer problems?

on modern vehicles, an overcharging alternator may result in an illuminated check engine light. it may also cause all kinds of problems with the onboard electronics and computer controls.

How do you know if your alternator is fried?

Can a bad alternator fry your battery?

A bad battery won't damage the alternator, but a bad alternator can damage a battery. The car battery simply isn't made to deliver electrical energy for extended periods, so both components need to be functioning optimally.

Can high output alternator damage?

And it basically operates off of supply and demand. That is, your alternator will only supply the amount of amperage a particular component demands—and no more. So high-output alternators will not harm your components or charging system, no matter how high you go with the amps.

This Alternator Will Destroy Your Car

Is 15 volts too high for alternator?

Higher than 15 volts indicates a fault in the charging system's voltage regulator or related circuits. If it's substantially excessive, this can cause electrical system and/or battery damage. You mentioned your voltmeter runs at about 15 volts most of the time.

Is a 160 amp alternator good?

The 160 amp is known to be used on emergency vehicles that are at a standstill and still running lots of 12v power thru said appliances.

Will a failing alternator throw a code?

HOW TO DIAGNOSE A FAILING ALTERNATOR. If you have a “Check Engine" light on, connect a code reader to the diagnostic port. If you find code P0562, you very likely have a failing alternator (note that codes may vary by vehicle make/model/year). Get it checked out before it fails entirely.

What are the symptoms of a bad alternator?

What happens when alternator goes out while driving?

If your alternator fails while you're driving, your battery should still provide electrical power for your car. If you start to notice things like flickering lights, your radio turning off, or other signs of low power, pull over and call a tow truck.

What noise does a failing alternator make?

If you're hearing a grinding sound in your car, this could indicate that the alternator is going bad. The grinding sound may be caused by a worn-out bearing. Your car can also make a whining sound when the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than is necessary.

How long do alternators usually last?

An alternator should last between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, which usually means around 7-10 years.

How do you tell if its your battery or your alternator?

If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a dead battery is probably your answer.

Will a bad alternator throw a check engine light?

Faulty Alternator

In a nutshell, the alternator helps to regulate the electricity necessary for the proper operation of your car. A faulty alternator not only turns the check engine light on, it also risks your safety.

How long can you drive with a bad alternator?

You should only drive 25 miles or around 30 minutes with a bad alternator if you have a fully charged and properly working battery. If your battery is low, you may need to be towed.

What happens if alternator fuse is bad?

If the alternator's fuse or fusible link is blown, the alternator will not be able to charge the battery. The battery then doesn't store enough power for starting the car or keeping it running.

Do alternators fail suddenly?

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 much does a new alternator cost?

Typically, it costs between $400-$600 to replace a faulty alternator with parts and labour. However, this price usually reflects a remanufactured alternator. New alternators can run you approximately $500 to $1000, again, depending on the type of vehicle you have.

Can you overload an alternator?

An alternator can be damaged by improperly jumping a car (such as having the wires crossed), which can overload and fry circuits. Also, if the connection from the alternator to the battery is severed while the engine is running, the alternator can become overloaded and damaged.

How big of an alternator do I need for 3000 watts?

3000 watt / 12V is equal to 250A. A 250A alternator is needed to keep up with it. Since your engine would have to work just as hard as any portable 3KW generator to keep up with the amplifier, you would need a large fuel tank.

What size alternator do I need for 1000 watt amp?

If you've read this far and are starting to rethink 150's, hair tricks, and broken windshields, you can still enjoy considerable bass with a single high output alternator in your car or truck. As a general rule, you need about 100 amps of current for every 1000 watts of power generated.

Is 14.7 volts too high?

14.8 would start to be a worry (there might be liquid or corrosion on the battery) and 15 volts would be a real concern, but 14.6 is fine. Less than 14.3 would be a "weak" alternator or regulator. Much less than 14.2 at a fast idle is bad wiring, bad alternator or regulator, or a bad connection or fuse link.

How do I know if my alternator is overcharging?

Why is my alternator putting out 17 volts?

It may be that the regulator is packing up and the alternator is going to max. unregulated output because of a bad battery output voltage (alternator input) connection between the battery and the alternator.

How can I test my alternator?