Do I need to excite an alternator?

If you've installed an alternator and it won't charge, don't remove it just yet. Here's why: most Delco Remy alternators have "Auto Start" capability that doesn't require a separate wire to excite the alternator to charge.

Will an alternator work without an exciter wire?

The exciter wire is used to turn on the voltage regulator. This wire, when unplugged, should have approx. 12.5 volts with the key on. If it does not then the alternator will not work.

Where does exciter wire go on alternator?

Exciter wire is connected to the L terminal of an alternator and is used to turn on the voltage regulator. Excitor wire is needed to generate the voltage required for the alternator to start running. The positive and negative cables are small and connected to the respective terminals of the battery.

What are the 3 wires for on a alternator?

A three-wire alternator wiring diagram shows how the various components of a circuit are connected. The circuit is made up of three major wires: a positive cable for the battery, a voltage detecting wire, and an ignition wire. The engine is connected to the ignition input wire.

Why is not necessary to flash the field of a DC alternator after it has been overhauled?

Why is it not necessary to flash the field of a DC alternator after it has been overhauled? An alternator field is excited by battery current and residual voltage is not used to start the alternator producing current.

How to Excite the One Wire - Self Exciting Alternator.

Why does my alternator not charge at idle?

The most common reason an alternator is not charging the battery is due to worn carbon brushes or a damaged alternator itself. It can also be caused by a blown fuse or bad wirings. If your serpentine belt snapped off, the alternator will, of course not charge then either.

Why field flashing is required?

Generator field flashing is required when generator voltage does not build up and the generating system (including the voltage regulator) does not have field flash capability. This condition is usually caused by insufficient residual magnetism in the exciter and generator fields.

What tells the alternator to charge?

A VOLTAGE REGULATOR regulates the charging voltage that the alternator produces, keeping it between 13.5 and 14.5 volts to protect the electrical components throughout the vehicle.

Can you run an alternator without a battery?

An alternator does not need a battery to operate. The alternator will work if the battery fails or the car is jump started from another car.

What color is exciter wire?

The purple wire should come from the key switch run position and go to the exciter terminal. I sounds like someone put it on the wrong terminal. You should check to make sure it does come from that switch, but purple is the correct color for it.

Do alternators charge at idle?

Assuming the alternator, engine, belt, and battery are all in working order, then yes, a car battery will charge when idling. The only caveat is that it doesn't really “charge” that fast. This is solely due to the fact that the engine doesn't have a load on it when your car is simply idling.

Does an alternator spin at idle?

An alternator has a normal range of operation. Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm.

Does hitting an alternator work?

Your car will just not start. Some people believe that you can just tap the alternator with a hammer to get it to operate. You should not do this because it will damage the part and you might even damage the surrounding parts to the car, resulting is a large car repair bill.

Can a one wire alternator drain a battery?

It just means the 1 wire is internally sensed for regulating the voltage. The alternator dosen't drain the battery over a long period if the vehicle is not used regularily. Things like CD/Radio memory and alarms draw current, however minute, over a long period will drain the battery.

What is the difference between 1 wire and 3 wire alternator?

Striking a compromise between functionality and looks is a battle that can arise when it comes to choosing an alternator. While the 1-wire units offer clean and simple installation with minimally visible wiring, the OE-style 3-wire units can provide better electrical performance for the demands of your hot rod.

What happens when exciter fails?

Again when loss of field occurs due to failure of exciter but not due to problem in the field circuit (field circuit remains intact) there will be an induced current at slip frequency in the field circuit. This situation makes the relay to pick up and drop off as per slip frequency of the induced current in the field.

What is the purpose of excitation?

1. BASIC FUNCTION. The basic function of an excitation system is to provide a continuous (DC) current to the field winding of a synchronous machine. This is achieved through the use of closed-loop control (or feedback control).