How an Alternator Works

Find out what's inside a car alternator and just how it works!
The alternator on a car is responsible for taking mechanical energy from the engine and turning it into electrical energy to replenish the battery. It is powered by the crank shaft, through the serpentine belt.
Inside, the pulley rotates a rotor, which is an electromagnet. When powered, the electromagnet spins relative to stationary coils on the housing, called the stator.
Through the right hand rule of physics, we know that as a magnet passes a coil, a current is induced. In this case, there are three separate stator windings, phased 120 degrees apart.
The rotor's electromagnet is often a Salient pole electromagnet, in that each finger alternates pole, from north, to south, to north, etc. When the changing field passes the stator coils, it generates an alternating current.
The three-phase, 120 degree, alternating current produced in the stator coils cannot charge the battery. It is then sent through a rectifier to be converted to direct current, through the use of a bridge rectifier (diodes) and a capacitor as a filter.
Since the engine's RPM varies, so will the alternator's output. However the battery needs a constant 14V to keep charged. The voltage output is controlled through the voltage regulator. It is a solid state device that will sense how charged the battery is, and then send more or less current to the rotor windings. Less current to the electromagnet rotor means less current generated in the stator, and the battery won't get overcharged.
In this video, an alternator is removed and completely disassembled from a 2001 Toyota Corolla.
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References
www.freeasestudyguides.com/el...
www.carparts.com/classroom/cha...
tiptopmetaldetectors.com/metal...
www.justanswer.com/toyota/73k...

[@thegabrielirlanda]

hands down one of the best explanations out there of how an alternator works!

[@speedkar99]

+Gabriel Pereira Glad you found it helpful?

[@zerotrace000]

Your style is very different from ChrisFix, Scotty Kilmer, and ErictheCarGuy. I can appreciate all of the styles and I go to different channels when I am looking for different types information. You Sir are at the top of your game and are an educational genius. You channel deserves to be at the top tier.

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+Jim Trainor You have to steal it from my brother for it to be legit.

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[@clay7182]

Walmart

[@norisarabio7307]

I want one too..

[@user-eb8gr8lf8h]

Pull out it from any vehicle..

[@ruinman8722]

man, this was very informative. before this vid I totally misunderstood the purpose of the voltage regulator. Thanks, man!

[@speedkar99]

+RuinMan I'm glad you learned something, thanks

[@sajithmsilva2337]

Same here

[@oculophilia918]

Fantastic work, my dude. The internet needed some solid, concise, and raw breakdown videos, and your metaphors and explainations are relatable. Also, the toothbrush is hilarious. You are appreciated my man.

[@ronin6158]

I feel like the toothbrush is the one talking to me and explaining all this. Thanks Prof Toothbrush!

[@shodmermaid3365]

You forgot to mention that the specially engineered spider keeps the electric pixies from escaping ⚡️

[@surajnair1666]

😂😂😂nice one

[@MrDragonfly]

This is way better explanation than Engineering Explained. I rest my case

[@speedkar99]

+intergratypezero haha thanks ....how so? You prefer to see physical parts?

[@MrDragonfly]

speedkar99 yes sir. I'm very curious about how the car parts works. With your videos, i get the clearer picture than my imagination.

[@two_number_nines]

EE is very bad with electronic stuff

[@parengmike9821]

Agreed.

[@shivshakti7301]

@@two_number_nines but EE is best at ICE stuff -- undoubtedly he explains stuff very easily and with calculations and facts

[@Yathuprem]

Does the spider come as standard on all corolla ??

[@speedkar99]

+Yathu prem if the car sits for a while then yes...

[@speedkar99]

+Rhex Arada oh no, I've made a topless corolla, see my convertible video

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Yes, the spiders are genetically engineered in Japan and are just as reliable.

[@rkgsd]

Rhex Arada MR2 now classic. The British TV show Wheeler Dealer on Velocity Channel did a restoration on one. I like the last generation of it though, not the old gen.

[@wholeNwon]

If they are Toyota spiders, they're really reliable.

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[@amanwithhiscigaretteandcof3474]

...cup of coffee+ cigarrete+ some snack..... +lecture from your video = perfect day. thank you mister.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@JustBronzeThingsLoL]

I love that this video is not just 'how an alternator works' but 'how every part of an alternator works, right down to the bridge rectifier'

[@speedkar99]

Glad you can learn from my work thanks

[@zzaha9242]

Love this channel, Also Chrisfix & Erick the car guy They are very informative

[@vonvoyage14]

Best explanation on KZbin! Its a lot better to see actual physical parts explained along with its individual functions rather than a book or a diagram or something. Great work!

[@speedkar99]

Yes , physical parts bring reality to the explanation!

[@aj200415]

I love your videos because you don’t feel you need to add a bunch of time consuming intros and garbage...you just get down to the meat and potatoes and I love it!

[@speedkar99]

Short and to the point is how it's gotta be

[@Reboobed]

Top notch video my dude. Very clear and gets right to the point instead of putting in unncessary flowery language as filler to sound more complex. Have a sub!

[@accidentalengineering]

6:13 I think you meant 120°. Great video!

[@christianvollawetscher9046]

As always outstanding presentation and explanation. Compact and comprehensive. Also appreciate the extra work of printing out these diagrams for detailed explanation.

[@vitooo9088]

I’m here for the how it works teaching toothbrush. Subscribed solely because that toothbrush is just so damn smart!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for subscribing

[@christophermccarthy8936]

Brilliant explanation. No bs. Straight to the point.

[@harshadahire7835]

Sir your explanation is very nicely to understand....👌

[@subrasivaram3171]

Fantastic Video. Cant believe you crunched in so much in less than 9 mins. Thank you.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, yep I try to keep things compressed

[@IanD1994]

You're videos are great! A lot of how stuff works videos I've seen are either too slow and boring or too fast so I can't keep up with what they're talking about but youre vids are just the right combination of informative without being boring

[@jetich]

my 8 and 5 year old sons found two funny parts - the spiders and the toothbrush toss at the end. great video!

[@imdwgsolol]

Much better than those 3D videos for me, big thanks!

[@speedkar99]

Same here. I like to see the real thing

[@gautammure]

Beautiful!!! You should give physics lessons part-time , casually.

[@speedkar99]

I've been told alot I should become a teacher

[@thomastallis7245]

Christ on a bike! If I could carry you around in my toolbox to work, that would be just grand! That was possibly the best explanation of the setup. I've written essays on this, and you hit every point perfectly. Modern vehicles have such an advantage, having alternators with solid state regulators. Older types, with the mechanical regulators were a nightmare to jamming up if not kept pristine. Overvoltage scenarios were so common, leading to a stern cooking of the battery. Upgrading from dynamo to alternator certainly provides that constant, and instant punch to whole system on startup. Instead of depending on a dynamo, which relies purely on engine RPM, you've got an instant flow of electron pixies as soon as the internal is excited. Great video!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for your insight!

[@adhirajjadhav7918]

Damn awesome, explained everything in detail

[@twowolvez5983]

Great Video! Thanks for explaining all of this.

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome

[@djalbrig]

Very well done video on the alternator.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks you

[@Alex-ti3uf]

Great job, very simple explanation how it works. 👍

[@mattdloughy5369]

Did you memorize all this or is it off the top of your head? Either way is impressive and im obsessed with this channel. Where did you go to school?

[@speedkar99]

+Matt'smobile AutoRepair Thanks I did some research before hand to get an idea for myself Then I present

[@MrAcc45]

Wow. this is a self taught man.... An inquisitive mind and motivation to understand and share is priceless. thanks

[@jasonmillner6416]

that was a very impressive explanation!!

[@jithinvijayan3]

Thank you..Well explained, students will excel if you are a lecturer.

[@speedkar99]

+Jithin P V Thanks. I guess I am an automotive teacher

[@jithinvijayan3]

speedkar99 not guess then it's sure

[@speedkar99]

+Jithin P V well I added that to my CV

[@sidneyhirst1925]

Wow. I now completely understand alternators work. But mostly why there are differences between types of connections. And why I had jump a wire to feedback a signal to the car alternator I installed on my tractor to charge and power lights ect.. this video was very thorough!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks im glad it helped you learn something new

[@gillesd.2277]

Excellent explanation! thanks

[@g00glian0]

Wow! What an excellent video!

[@Mr-lw7gy]

Hot damn this is an awesome video of the mechanical and electronic parts of an alternator. Subbed

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. Check out my other videos for more

[@anthonyfigueroa4937]

I can definitely tell you know your stuff! Very informative, keep up the good work!

[@rickt2419]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

+Rick T Glad you liked it thanks

[@fastfiddler1625]

That was a cool video. I knew the basic principal but not the inner workings. I learned long ago that bump starting a manual doesn't work if the battery is completely drained. There has to be enough charge to get the alternator going.

[@vicky-nc3to]

one of the best video on alternator.... keep uploading buddy.

[@speedkar99]

+vicky singh thank you

[@venkatarayak.v9228]

liked your diagram and simple explanation and the parts involved. I got to see your face though. loved it.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed

[@juancostellorodrigo8789]

Best explained and concise vid. I've seen on KZbin. Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome. Best on KZbin yay!

[@kws1957]

Very well explained ! God bless you.

[@abrar9488]

love the way you explain always find the required information needed thanks

[@speedkar99]

That's my style. Thanks

[@rubencardoso635]

Excellent explanation, thank you very much.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@jbrock925]

Excellent explanation! Thank you for the information

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@davidevans1266]

Great description, thank you

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

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Well done!

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This is a bad ass channel

[@speedkar99]

+Bryce Andrews awesome!

[@surajnair1666]

MAN YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING PERSON.👍🏼👍🏼 this video and rest all of the videos which you make are so easy and simple to understand. Thanks alot, for clearing A TONNES of doubts which were running inside my head from so many days.

[@jacksprat6825]

100% well said...it is the best explanation Ive ever heard.. had to listen to it twice.. good job whoever did this..

[@rob8482]

Great job, Well done!

[@speedkar99]

+Robert Z thanks Robert

[@linuxboy007]

Outstanding explanation.. Thanks a lot😁

[@georgekurgansky5986]

Great explanation! It's a simple device electric parts wise. Thanks for making this.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@billdukacz166]

I have to say this was excellent! Thank you! 👍

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@siucbset]

ElectricalEngineer: Very impressive.

[@speedkar99]

+siucbset I'm a mechanical engineer

[@siucbset]

M.E.: With that being said. Shall I assume you will soon be getting rid of that 1999 Solara and getting a 2018 GS350?

[@speedkar99]

+siucbset The solara was sold in April, and I'm happy with my 07 GS350 right now. I recently picked up an 04 camry, not as impressive as the solara though :(

[@siucbset]

Good combination. GS 350 for summer and Camry for winter. Definitely need a FWD or AWD for winter months in Canada.

[@speedkar99]

+siucbset Yes, though I do use both cars year round, just when it snows I'll use the Camry exclusively. The lexus Michelin Pilot tires are terrible in wet, and its just cheaper to find winter wheels and tires for a Camry.

[@seshachary5580]

awesome education .Thank you regards

[@kriswyche]

Your videos always help me understand because you take actual components and break the down vs just talking about them or using whack diagrams

[@speedkar99]

Agreed I think that's what sets me apart

[@kriswyche]

speedkar99 most definitely! Subscribing for sure 👍🏽

[@shivshakti7301]

the best video on alternator

[@garym8348]

I've watched like 10 of these things trying to explain the difference between an alternator and a generator and this is absolutely the best one. Wish I saw this one first so I didn't waste my f*ng time. Good information here. Thanks bro.

[@clark4041]

Another excellent video - thank you for the in depth and clear explanation ^_^

[@Bhaktpath]

very amazing and explanatory video, good work .

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@sahraouiwalid9144]

Very informative as usual, May God Bless you !

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@chris95952003]

Scotty didn't explain it like that...WHOA! Thanks!

[@MoritzvonSchweinitz]

Woa! I didn't know that last part about disconnecting the battery while running causing voltage spikes! Makes sense! Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

Yes becareful

[@alencaviles5799]

EXCELLENT!!! the best toothbrush i ever seen, thank you for sharing!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@mianarshed]

beautifully explained.

[@speedkar99]

+Mian Arshad Thanks for your feedback.

[@edwinmarroquin3753]

Perfect explanation!!!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@dragonballtorture]

Great video! Wish your channel had more recognition though

[@speedkar99]

+rezza rafee thanks. Yea I agree, tell your friends!

[@abhisheknegi2030]

Loved your posts .. Thanks for sharing...

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@moparman0314]

Another excellent video 👍🏻

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@kittenkrusha]

I really appreciate this channel. The way he explains how things works is perfect for me and many others . Thumbs up if you appreciate speedkar making the world a slightly better place.

[@MrSkfk]

Awesome explanation best put off 5 videos I saw .. great job I replaced my brushes and voltage regulator today .. I had dash lights on usually come on when n alternator craps out but after a bit I noticed it would be fine then work then next day would turn on high review would make it go away made me realize my voltage regulator maybe was bad I replaced both the regulator and the brushes but my brushes were very warm out witch I’m sure that was giving the wrong communication but I still replaced both .. 25 bucks off of eBay .. wish I would have seen this dudes video a week ago .. great job tho . Best vid of this kind on here ..

[@dieselboy7138]

Excellent lecture 👍

[@badboysweetheart1]

Awesome video.!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@nikrous5996]

One of the best lecture .Thanks. I understood many things in 8 min.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you learned something

[@chocolatecoveredgummybears]

Damn man, incredible videos

[@spicyF1]

I'm glad i came across your video, didn't know that removing a battery from a running engine could get the ecu

[@speedkar99]

Glad you learned something

[@Greenboy_Max]

Hey Speedkar99, great video, gives all the info even if it is too much for some people. Please keep it up.

[@speedkar99]

+Aravinda Aponsu thanks Too much info? Lol

[@flightofthefatman]

Man I love your videos! You have a gift. I wish you all the best in life.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for the kindness

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

I love your videos. I give credit where credit is due.

[@pecoswild]

Another great vid. Man I’ve binge watched your vids.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. Make sure you share too

[@adik9441]

Great explanation

[@speedkar99]

Glad you liked it

[@milindankur]

You make things look so easy!

[@speedkar99]

+Ankur Milind it is easy.

[@milindankur]

I have seen a couplpe of other videos posted by you. Sheer Brilliant work. You cover topics very systematically with to-the-point details with great deal of enthusiasm. Its hard work and takes a lot of pain. Reminds me of my Basic Mechanical Engineering classes from college. Cheers for the good work Sir!

[@speedkar99]

+Ankur Milind thanks

[@Mahigeer1]

This is an informative video with two items that need to be corrected. First, it is safer to remove the positive cable at the battery first, before removing the cable from the alternator. I know in the car he is showing will not make a difference, since it seems it is a junk yard car. Second, a minor mistake. In 1:28 they are not bolts, but nuts. Overall a good job in showing how the alternator works. Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@cr0cop738]

Better than physics class....good job

[@speedkar99]

It sure is!

[@mirjaveed98]

Nice friend

[@ccfd1996]

You can't go wrong with this guy.

[@rpenvasa]

You are geneious. I will show these to high school kids

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, I hope they'll learn and appreciate this too

[@T_ndhlovunator]

Nice info 👌

[@lukemartin7029]

Information overload! 😃

[@speedkar99]

+Luke Martin whoops

[@freddiebanegas8702]

Dude! You're the coolest!! Love your videos.

[@speedkar99]

+Freddie Banegas Glad you like them, enjoy

[@manickn6819]

I am opening a Nissan alternator at present. Figured most of this out already but its good to get confirmation.

[@speedkar99]

Yes they are all very similar

[@VictorDunkle]

You would make a really good teacher. Good video. Always learning something new here. My girl will thank me for knowing all this later down the road

[@speedkar99]

I'm glad it helped you learn something new

[@juicetheballer]

Love these videos

[@speedkar99]

Thank you

[@zierxurxes]

Why are you not one of the top youtube mechanics?

[@speedkar99]

I'm not a mechanic I'm an engineer

[@_INVOLUTION_]

Best explain ever seen!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@musabchoulah5590]

You are genius !!