How To Make Your Car's Alternator Last Longer? Everything You Need to Know

A Toyota Specialist shares tips on making your Car's Alternator last longer.
We'll first start by explaining how an alternator works in basic terms. Then we'll talk about some things you should never do to your alternator
TCCN Automotive Inc.
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[@asefew1]

If the battery is dead, is it OK to jump start and drive to a shop to replace it, or should I avoid using it until replaced?

[@TheCarCareNut]

Very good question. Yes that is totally fine just don’t keep going for weeks and months on that weak or dead battery. Many may ask but how come. You’d be surprised how some folks life’s are very busy and they can’t attend to the car and they prefer just to jump it and keep going.

[@stephenjones9153]

@TheCarCareNut I got in my Little Toyota Auris 2013 1.4d a few weeks ago and the battery had died so I got a Jump start and went straight to buy a new one and fitted it myself in there Carpark, made sure I bought a good make Stop/Start Yuasa. Not bad going 1 battery after 137,000 Miles and I do my own Oil and filter changes every 6000 miles. Absolutely brilliant Little Car and pulls like at train even uphill. 62Mpg UK 🇬🇧 what's not too like.👍👍👍

[@Len10293]

@@TheCarCareNut Unfortunately I am not DIY when it comes to cars, except for the battery. If I can do it myself any one can. Driving on the battery that failed you once is a total negligence

[@bobninemire6859]

You touched on the battery a little and was wondering when would you replace the battery ? Wait until problems ? Or ? Thank you for all the great tips on car care @@TheCarCareNut

[@alan4sure]

​@@bobninemire6859a garage can easily test the electrical system and tell you if battery still has enough power in it. I get it done every Fall.

[@vasiledigori2920]

I am 41 years old, but in my entire life I haven’t meet a better teacher to explain something I can understand something from first lesson. Thanks mate!

[@PennyBurdick318]

Now is definitely NOT the time to be buying a car. Average car cost $47K?! That's insane! Check your ego at the door - you need a vehicle to get back and forth to work, not to impress anyone. An auto finance rate of 7%+ is an insult to anyone with excellent credit. No thanks. Those new cars can sit on the lot and rot away for all I care.

[@Seanmirrer]

I'm with you. I don't care how much it costs to keep my current cars running. I'll drop new engines and trans if necessary I refuse to buy a new car.

[@Rhgeyer278]

Yeah, Im glad I keep seeing this message because I want a new car, but man these prices are crazy

[@Annakrueger822]

The best course of action is to ask a consultant or investing coach for guidance or assistance on purchasing a car. Speaking with a consultant helped me acquire my car effortlessly using the best plan available without affecting my portfolio.

[@GaryWinstonBrown]

Please who is the consultant that assist you with your investment and if you don't mind, how do I get in touch with this person

[@Ashleycorrie8494]

He appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran a Google search on his name and came across his website; thank you for sharing...

[@luisnunes3220]

As an Electrical Engineer by profession since 1988 I can say: your explanation about the alternator working principles and how to take care of it is absolutely comprehensive, precise and correct, albeit easy to understand, I’ve ever seen! Greetings from Brazil!

[@1DwtEaUn]

except the bottom half would not normally be tossed but polarity flipped assuming they would use a full-wave bridge

[@d.a.t.7723]

What does it matter were you're from??? Brazilians have some complex don't they?

[@JM-kn9dh]

Can you please explain how the alternator generates ac current instead of dc current?

[@lukaperko9744]

@@JM-kn9dh On the drawing he drew of the alternator at 4:20. The rotor is an electromagnet. the electromagnet is powered by the battery(accumulator). when the electromagnet is on(powered by the accumulator) it creates a magnetic field. this field has a north and south side(you can google magnetic field). now if we look from the point of view of one of the stator coils(there is 3 on his drawing lets look from the pov of one of them), when the electromagnet rotates for one half of the circle(180 degrees) it pushes the electrons in that one coil, in one direction and creates a positive bump, and than the other side of the magnet comes and the magnetic field is opposite of the first, so it pushes the electrons in the opposite direction creating the negative bump. this happens at all 3 stator coils at different times because they are positioned 120 degrees apart from each other. if you want a deeper explanation google this: ac generation - energy education

[@1DwtEaUn]

@@JM-kn9dh this may be helpful in showing how ac is generated kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpyVpmaworlol7s

[@gregdowns6062]

I drive 200-500 miles 6 days a week. My Toyota Camry is my life's blood. This info is priceless. I have found an accessory that saved my a lot of headache in my previous Corolla, almost by accident, I purchased a cigarette lighter plug splitter with a voltage indicator. I needed it to run my cell phone, camera, and other electronics . When my battery light came on, I saw the decrease in voltage to 11.5 volts. I knew to immediately proceed to the nearest auto parts store that provides free alternator and bettery tests. They found that the alternator was on it's last last leg. I limped the car home about 25 miles and replaced it the next day. I also fully charged the battery and saved the battery from a premature death.

[@Rdhog]

By charging your battery you also prevented shortening the life of that new alternator you installed. The information in this video is spot on. Career mechanic here.

[@piyushaggarwal6294]

Sir pls reply can we use car voltage stabilizer to prolong alternator health or is going to destroy the electricals and alternator prematurely???

[@redbaron6805]

@@piyushaggarwal6294 You don't need anything else but a working alternator and a healthy battery. A normal working car doesn't need a voltage stabilizer, as there is one already built into the car, usually the car computer itself which controls and monitors the voltage.

[@patm95]

How many miles you got in that car??!!

[@m3rdpwr]

I remember being able to buy a rebuild kit for a GM alternator for about $12 and have it up and running again. It basically came with a set of brushes, a diode trio, regulator and a couple of other things.

[@waynenoll1967]

There’s an old guy in a wheelchair that lives out in the country, near me, and all he does is rebuild alternators. My Camry needed one and the cheapest one from the parts store was nearly $200. He rebuilt mine for $15.

[@m3rdpwr]

@@waynenoll1967 we had a place near me called teli-ignition. They used to rebuild alternators to about 50 to 100% in greater capacity. I had to do that back in the late '80s early '90s for my car stereo and race car. They would punch additional holes in the casing for additional cooling, higher end windings, etc. $15 is cheap though, he must have enjoyed what he did and wanted to keep busy.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

You can still do this but mofos today don't even want to change their own oil.

[@m3rdpwr]

@@BruceLee-xn3nn today's alternators are much more complex, than the old school, one wire alternators we had back in the day. Yes, at that core they are similar, but they are now more. Computerized. The newer things are, the more complex they are.

[@kenc.9067]

​@@m3rdpwrthat's why I prefer older vehicles

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

As someone who has spent a lifetime working with these basic principles I can vouch that this explanation was absolutely perfect at the depth it was intended for.

[@henrymorgan3982]

And done like a professional!

[@cj8489]

As a DIYer I appreciated the simple breakdown of the system and advice. 👌🏽👊🏽

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

@@cj8489 Honestly I did not know that regulation was done at the rotor field. I always thought it was a pass reg post rectifier.

[@DylanL69]

@@InsideOfMyOwnMind same

[@christophercampbell401]

​@@InsideOfMyOwnMind0o0llll0

[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, My Denso alternator is 19 years old and thanks to your tips, I now know how to make it last another 19 years. On the subject of numbers, you have crossed the 900,000 SUBSCRIBER barrier 😁🥳🥳🥳

[@redbaron6805]

No alternator will ever last 40 years unless you drive the car 5 miles a week, and even then it is doubtful as corrosion will kill it.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@redbaron6805 Thanks for the tip. I will report back to you when mine gives up the ghost.

[@redbaron6805]

@@rightlanehog3151 OK 👍Hopefully it will last you a few more years...

[@don-michealbell6303]

This guy needs to write a book. And write like he's explaining this information. Pure gold. I hope he drops a book.

[@tomc8115]

The no nonsense info we all need to keep our cars running as long as possible. Thanks CCN! Very much appreciated in these tough times with high used and new car prices! 🙏🙏

[@panagiotisharos9625]

You are responsible , all of you letting bad politicians...

[@DeepRacer-zr4yp]

In todays NWO world we need to take care of our ICE cars before they will ban them indefinitely

[@israelakowe9304]

I wish I found this channel while I was still in school. Physics class would have been much easier! 😊

[@CamKrazy2000]

The only alternator problems on Toyotas was about 30 years ago on the mid 1990's Corollas that came with Delphi Alternators instead of Denso ones. Denso alternators are usually good for at least 100K miles. I shake my head whenever I see other techs or service advisers at my dealership selling non-Denso after-market alternators that are usually only good for a couple years just because it's too late to will-call the part and don't wanna carry over the job to the next day.

[@alan4sure]

280k miles on my 2012 Sienna alternator.

[@mikehand2668]

227 k on the alternator , put a Denso on it maybe another 227 k

[@doctormdds]

I had a 2000 Honda Accord V6 with a Delphi alternator. It failed at less than 100k. My Lexus LX 470 has 218K. Original alternator still going strong.

[@Rhaspun]

My original alternator on my '97 4 Runner lasted to about 270k miles.

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

My 34 year old Lincoln mark vii with ton of miles and factory alternator didn't go out until last year. Hell it's still got 7 of the original spark plug wires and it sees 500 miles a week of daily driving

[@rbarr775]

Maybe next time you could touch on user-replaceable alternator components, mainly bearings and brush packs. Decades ago I used to swap in new brushes in GM starters, rather than buy a rebuilt starter; it was obviously far less costly, but even when time is important, the existing unit (starter, alternator) is OEM and superior in quality and condition to whatever rebuilt unit you could purchase. When you return the old unit to get your 'core fee', you are giving up a far better component than what they sold you. With new brushes and freshly lubed bearings, your old unit would outlast and outperform a rebuilt.

[@John.Skelton]

THIS WAS BY FAR ONE OF THE COOLEST AND MOST HELPFUL VIDEOS I'VE SEEN ON KZbin! 👏🏻 You are a FANTASTIC instructor! 👏🏻

[@randyduncan795]

I'm an EE and enjoyed your explanation. The diode failure you noted is what happens when the diode shorts. Diodes can also fail by opening. In that type failure you lose one of your 3 phases and the alternator might still work at low load with some RPM but if you load it at idle the output will be low. I think the modern alternator "improvements" aren't so great. When did you ever see a plain old pulley fail? When have you seen an internally regulated Toyota alternator not regulate quickly enough? The efficiency improvements are very small for a large increase in cost. How's 20 years, over 260K miles and still going sound? When my old Corolla alternator fails I'll open it up, check the diodes, bearings, and likely repair it by replacing the brushes.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Another old EE here: You are spot-on and have the plan. If the rectifier diodes F/B ratios match, they're healthy don't have to mess with them. Cheers!*

[@petarmiletic997]

The reason why newer alternators have an overruning pulley is not to protect the alternator it's to protect the belt drive. Why ? Well they were not needed for lower output alternators, below 70 Amps or so. But modern cars with ever increasing electrical load, heated rear window, heated seats, heated mirrors etc etc. need an alternator that will output 120, 150 or even 200 Amps. The bigger the alternator the heavier the rotor, and since the engine does not spin at constant speed, it's more of a sine wave due to combustion pulses when the engine slows down slightly the alternator will try to back drive the engine, which will tension the belt in the reverse direction. When combustion occurs the engine will accelerate again and the belt will tension in the drive direction. The constant belt tension changes will very quickly overheat and destroy the tensioner damper, damage the belt tensioner, and possibly even shred the belt.

[@randyduncan795]

@@petarmiletic997 With many vehicles over many miles I've never had any problems like that. Some had up to 130A alternators. I think most of this is about the last out to 3 decimal places efficiency and emissions nonsense. I don't think the OEMs have any desire for their cars to last 30 years and a half million miles either. Engine pulses are dampened pretty well by the flywheel and other loads. Of course the more cylinders...

[@jimmybrad156]

I guess a faulty diode could be tested for using a true RMS AC volt meter to sense excessive ripple?

[@KStewart-th4sk]

@@petarmiletic997 Yeah and one of these modern marvels couldn't keep the guy's battery charged because his drive to work was "TOO SHORT". kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5CunoJjgMaFaqM I'll stick with my old vehicle, at least then i don't have to worry about a short drive being a problem to start it again.

[@RealWorldGarage]

I’ve been preaching this for years. I tell folks if you forgot something on and ran the battery down and have to jump it off to get home, sure, get home. But when you do get home connect simple small battery charger suitable for the kind of battery your car has overnight. Then take it somewhere you trust and have the battery condition tested. Good information as always sir. God bless you and yours.

[@chetmyers7041]

If you limp home with car in a low gear (higher than normal RPM) you will keep the alternator cooler. The pulley fan is moving more air, and the ROTOR will need less current to charge. Less rotor current means less internal heat.

[@tombregman2875]

Your explanation about how the alternator works was FANTASTIC and easy to understand!

[@oha845]

You explained it better than trade school ❤ excellent video, simple but detailed technical explanations.

[@randyrankin589]

Great video by AMD! Here is another thing that may prolong the life of an alternator. Before parking and shutting off the engine, turn off the headlights (if it's nighttime), lower the climate control blower motor speed, or turn off the blower motor altogether. This gives the alternator a little bit of time to not be under load and to cool down before shutting off the engine. Again, this may prolong the life of the internals of the alternator.

[@kannermw]

@randyrankin589 What you suggest is utter nonsense. An alternator is not like a turbocharger with hot exhaust gases passing through it and depends on oil flow to cool and lubricate the bearings. An alternator uses sealed bearings and electrical components whose temperature will not increase after shutdown.

[@TENNSUMITSUMA]

17:21 So getting to this point, it seems to me the best thing is to keep the receipt for the battery (photo copy it so it doesn't fade like on the thermal paper receipts are printed on!) if the battery dies and it's within the warranty period, pull it and get it replaced! If it's out of warranty, buy a new one (agm)!

[@egggofff5057]

Thank you for another lesson.I always learn with your videos. Not too long or too short , but just enough and no EGO or attitude.

[@55paddymac]

As an old mechanic, I always recommend that when people buy a new car, take it home and put the battery on a Smart Charger overnight. They are ALWAYS only about half charged, which puts stress on your alternator. Your Battery will thank you for it.

[@willpeony5534]

Thank you, Old Mechanic. From Mr.Battery.

[@dsleong8328]

good idea, i'm a car tint installer and wonder why new car didnt crank when after like 20 min keeping the car on for acc like window and radio due to work, thanks for the info

[@bhut1571]

Good advice. Always used a battery keeper here in Northern Ontario. My Camery battery was healthy for 7 years. The alternator was a wonderful innovation; my first cars had generators...yes old geezer here. Your explanation of how an alternator was a treat in simplicity...said from a retired physics-type guy. Cheers.

[@TonyRule]

You thnk owning one you'd have learned it's a Camry, not a Camery. Mind you, I know someone that thought they owned a Carolla for 10 years.

[@FindLiberty]

The CCN is a,"treat" indeed - 100% Geezer2Geezer *APPROVED* Yea Physics type guy, those energy infrastructure equations for EV's might seem a bit sus, LOL. Do you remember adjusting the regulating relay coil spring tension used with 12V Alternator Systems? How about those _much older_ DC Generators, 6V Batteries and using a glass Hygrometer as the tool of choice for fine-tuning the 6V battery charging voltage? Almost a century later (2024) we have KZbin, Cellphones, GPS, digital scan/diagnostic/programming tools, the amazing $20 component identifier, High Bandwidth 4-channel Digital Oscilloscopes, inexpensive borescope cameras, DVMs, and SDR, VNA and Tiny SA tools for the RF spectrum. Unfortunately we've also been, "gifted" with those 2450 battery-sucking, proximity-activated-transponder smart key RF remotes (Ford and Toyota) that have made modern car theft a quick and easy, contactless sport. Amazing progress; now machine-learning algorithms, AI and sooner or later, safer-than-human self-driving cars. There's a profit-driven dark side though; remote industrial-scale killing using (proxy) AI drone warfare in other countries! (wasn't in the glossy advertisement brochure?) Too bad these young whippersnappers don't yet realize it's the Creature From Jeckyll Island and totalitarianism sneaking up from behind on a secret multi-vectored attack mission to destroy absolutely everything for the propagandized, great unwashed... (Now that's progress!) Good luck everybody, take care of you and yours!

[@bhut1571]

@@TonyRule Yes, pretty ditsy (dittsy?) of me, I thuk. Didn't learn to type until I was 40. But at 14, I could do 12 words per minute in Morse Code...a handy skill.

[@georgehughes237]

I am a certified mechanic as well I'm 65 years old! you doing a great job my friend! I have a 2015 Chevy Express I bought brand new got almost 330,000 mi on it and never replaced the alternator always stay dry as in the front and it's away from the radiator

[@jimpie231]

Great video! This is something most mechanics never cover or talk about. Your explanation on how it works was brilliant, bravo! AMD, you’re a gem! Even the info about leaks and cleaning was right to the point! Thanks!!!

[@odi1964]

Thank you CCN for giving the informative video to keep our car safe and running.

[@merlinzipp]

Great illustration and description on the operation of the alternator. I was an electronics instructor for 3 out of 10 years in the Navy and half of the instructors did not explain generation and rectification of voltage as quickly and clearer as you did here.

[@paulburroughs1313]

Truely one of the best videos I have watched on KZbin. Thank you.

[@isaacfernandez4841]

That is a real mechanic with good technical knowledge of AC/DC voltaje

[@samgrieg2542]

Your lectures are pure gold! So clearly explained, every subject. If someone still doesn't get it after this, they deserve to be stranded 😂

[@stantheman5163]

Great tutorial! Idea for another topic would be the proper way to read your gauges. I installed Voltmeter and Oil Temperature gauges in my car to keep up with its health. It already has Oil Pressure and Water Temperature gauges. A CCN tutorial on these would be much appreciated!

[@jasonzerbini2375]

Excellent information. After 40 years of doing all my own car repairs, wrenching on equipment, etc it never dawned on me nor did I learn from anyone that when possible always put a charger on battery if it goes dead for some reason vs jump starting and letting alternator do the work. Makes perfect sense. Also the advice to pay up for an OEM replacement can't be emphasized enough. I have known this for decades but recently in a bind to get a car back on road ASAP I bought aftermarket. I'm on 3rd warranty replacement in less than 2 years and warranty or not next time I'll pay $400 for an OEM. Thank You for the great video!

[@tb-qo5us]

Thank you so much for these videos. Having you explain these common parts and how they work, plus how to take care of them, are my favorite videos of yours. Thanks again!!

[@jasonphilip4545]

Wow, that was one of the best balanced videos I've seen. Right level of tech depth to educate anyone about how an alternator works and how to prolong it's life. Thank you for making this video. Genuinely very helpful.

[@olddirtybooger]

This is the best graphic I have ever seen for diagnosing a blown diode. More importantly teaching the same thing. Easy to see the curve, without loving the math. As a person that frequently teaches "normal people" 3 phase power, the reticfication down to DC 24v control power, or "computer power". Thank you for sharing this.

[@andykolb263]

This is one of the best educational videos I've ever seen on KZbin. Thank you for this information and excellent explanation!

[@LightsAndButtons]

Great explanation! My alternator was failing - at the time, it sounded like a drill with that whining sound. It was my first time hearing it, and I was glad I had it fixed before anything major happened!

[@billmoore7305]

Great info! Just had my alternator replaced on my 2011 Avalon at 158,000. Know I know how the alternator works. Thanks Professor Car Care Nut!

[@davidglad]

Probably should have had my 06 Camrys alternator replaced around then. But incidentally it was on the drive I crossed 186000 (after I began going down a steep highway ramp) was when it showed that battery light and made clear something was wrong. Hopefully many years from now I'll say how long the remanufactured alternator (only one in stock) from o'reilly lasted if I hold on to the Camry

[@tonydavis190]

@@davidglad More than likely the brushes are getting worn out. You can order a brush set/holder (it's all once piece) for like $20 or less and replace it yourself. Remove the three screws on the alternator end cover, remove the two small screws on the brush holder, install the new brush holder, pull the brush holding pin (it holds the spring-loaded brushes in place until installation), reinstall the cover, and Bam! you saved yourself $$$! Rockauto & OEM Toyota parts sites have it. Good luck!

[@tonydavis190]

The original alternator on my 2011 Camry V6 is still working fine at 274,000 miles.... knock on wood...I should probably get ready to install those replacement brushes I bought for it...

[@user-yn5gm8st6d]

Another great review. You make understanding the various parts of the vehicle so easy. I really like your pictures with callout and drawings.

[@maxh4782]

Please keep making these videos for us, we love you!!!!

[@michaelrisman908]

probably the best explanation of a/c to d/c mechanics i've ever scene. well done!

[@genesandu1971]

Definitely appreciate the information on how the alternator works and thank you for the advice on how to tell if it's about to quit... These days you really don't want to be stranded.

[@kareeme888]

These educational videos are just the best. Thank you!!

[@azizbass]

You're such an amazing living legend. AMD. I've learned so much from you. Live long and prosper to your team and family, much love, Aziz.

[@-_-----]

Brilliant. Thank you so much for such a clear explanation. My mom's 2001 Tacoma has been having alternator problems, and this will help us sort it out. Great stuff.

[@cardiackid48]

Excellent video!!! Thanks so much for the info...I learned a great deal in a short period of time and I thought I knew the basic operation of the alternator but I didn't till I saw this video...thanks again for your excellent presentations!!! It is much appreciated.

[@jimbike8064]

Thank you for explaining things so well for your less mechanically inclined viewers.

[@Kingdom-Republic]

Thank you Prof. I can see this becoming a series about different main components in a vehicle.

[@russelldienell1439]

This is one of your best informative talks. Thanks 😊

[@ozzy4219]

Thank you for your explanation ! As always , simple and brilliant technical info for car driving dummies like me ! That’s why I’m keep watching your channel !!! 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@blackriderph4340]

As always with all of your videos, my reaction is always “this dude is such a godsend”. Thank you for your service!

[@AB-jk7tw]

Love your channel and the clear way that you describe and explain very complex things!

[@luckyjim51]

You are a teacher...!! Thank you for the explanation. As a DIY and a retired carpenter with a pretty high skill set you continue to make me smarter. I tell people if its 5yrs old, don't even clean the terminals. Just buy a new one. Yes, keep your terminals clean...

[@Shandias85]

WOW what an awesome informative video. I found this channel when I was doing search on buying a used Highlander. This guy saved my money after buying my Highlander and doing all the maintenance on 2GR-FE. Hope you will hit your 1M soon. You deserve it! Keep up the good work Sir, you're truly a life saver!!

[@user-dz2jy7ss2g]

A pleasure watching a professional Explanation..

[@curtgomes]

Thank you so much. You're videos are very informative and fun. I am posting here because this topic (alternators) is kinda interesting to me. In 1995 I bought a used Toyota T100 SR5 (4000k miles). I still own it 29 years later. It has 160k miles and has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. It still has the original alternator on it and it has NEVER given me one bit of a problem over that period. The same is true of the A/C system. In fact, virtually its all original and all functioning like the day the truck was new! The running gear is original and in great condition. I do the maintenance regularly. These things seem bullet proof..... I am now 80 years old and this truck will out live me of course and serve someone else well if properly maintained. It is a California vehicle so rust is not an issue. Honestly, it's truly amazing......

[@Gleone58]

Very good simple explanation but that covered “early” alternators because modern alternators contain 6-9 diodes to not be wasteful because when you just cut off the negative wave entirely you lose it so the efficiency early on was 50%. Adding 3 more diodes on the negative side of the ac facing away from ground forces the waves to turn around and then the bottom wave band is not lost.

[@Leonardokite]

Wow, everything I needed to know about alternators and didn't know that I needed to know. 👏👏👏

[@358trucking]

One of the best explanations of how an alternator works that I have ever heard. You sould like me when I'm explaining it. Bravo! 😊

[@utsavchaudhuri]

This is the most informative and useful video I've ever seen for my Toyota alternator!

[@PeterM-PeterM]

Awesome timing my wife's alternator died yesterday. We were lucky to make it home... It died 20 feet from my driveway lol. Will receive my replacement on Monday. Thank you for the amazing chanel. Happy holidays

[@FindLiberty]

You ordered an OEM replacement - I hope!

[@mrpolitenessman3539]

To me the most important thing about saving the alternator is the battery....I change mine every 5 years maximum time ...lead acid batteries are built to fall apart over time....the acid continuously attacks the lead plates and sheds lead to the tray provided in the bottom of the case ..built this way...as the lead thins out , the battery gets weaker and weaker down to 10 or 11volts...the alternator has to work longer and harder to keep up thus burning it out...plates can curl and short out other plates causing low voltage...installing a new battery will make the vehicle feel like its gained 10 horsepower and bring back its snap...5 years maximum life, the newest battery at a high volume battery dealer . The Date of manufacture on top of battery, and the biggest battery that fits your car will keep your vehicle reliable in the long run ...

[@bekomcar554]

Ahmed, your insights and passion (yes, beyond knowledge) always awakes my brain. Big gratitude from Seoul.

[@soccerbrett1]

Great video AMD! Perfect amount of content and time spent...much appreciated!

[@user-yo1pk4ky4k]

I have owned my 1984 Toyota pickup forever. Now at 253K miles. The alternator has quit working two times in those 39 years. Both times it was the brushes worn out. I just replaced those -- back in business. One brush replacement happened in a rural area and all I could find were generic hardware store brushes. Had to file down the carbon to fit brush holders and rejigger the copper pigtails -- back in business. Amazing that the bearings are still working. I should replace those before the rotar starts rubbing on the stator parts.

[@donaldteed35]

I've mentioned the alternator wear from boosting while running the booster engine before, and people don't believe it. I've had two alternators die in otherwise well maintained vehicles, within a week of boosting while running the engine. My brother-in-law who worked as electronics tech understands the problem. Most mechanically inclined people do not. I'll never do it that way again.

[@ronchappel4812]

Thanks for this! Like many home mechanics i never thought much of letting the car charge a flat battery. Many times i've been told it won't get a perfect full charge this way, but no one ever said it's hard on the alternator

[@Semiam1]

Thanks! I learned so much. I was still in old-school mindset about the alternator charging the battery.

[@daoyang1562]

Very informative. Over the years of small repairs on friends and family vehicles I noticed the pattern of alternators and batteries killing each other. Although I couldn’t quite figure out which was the cause. This makes much sense and confirms to me that there was connection. Thanks!

[@FindLiberty]

I found that my 20 year old Toyota Starter was killing the battery gradually, with every start. (Battery and Alternator are fine.) After 2nd battery replacement within 30 months, I noticed the slightly slower cranking and measured an excessive post-to-post battery voltage dip. Isolated, a battery load test looks fine. Changed the starter and now that same battery is still working, years later. That was a first for me after several decades, incl 45 years DIY Toyota.

[@1974400]

Thank you for making such interesting and informative videos. I love how well you explain how things work.

[@blumobean]

Thanks for this video. It will certainly help many people. There is so much confusion, myths, and total ignorance of this subject.

[@satriageta]

For a first-time car owner like me, it kinda blew my mind that weak battery can cause bad gas mileage. My car suddenly had horrible gas mileage out of nowhere, and I tried replacing spark plugs, carbon cleaning the engine, change oil etc. and still bad mileage. Now I am 100% sure it is the battery because my alternator does make a small whining noises. Thank you so much for making this video AMD, actually lifesaving!

[@DylanL69]

No it's your alternator

[@carlveilleux5744]

Battery light does not always come on when the alternator fails. Happened to me twice, once on a Nissan, and just last week on my Acura TSX (I got the whining noise). Depends on what has actually failed. For example a single diode failure may not trigger the Battery light but the alternator still will not charge. Another good reason to stop driving a vehicle if the Battery light comes on, on many vehicles the serpentine belt that drives the alternator also drives the water pump, if the belt has broken the Battery light will come on but since the water pumps isn't running anymore the engine will overheat in no time ($$$). Another sure way to kill an alternator, especially one with high mileage on it: jump start another car with your engine running. The alternator will suddenly try to push a massive amount of current to the other car's starter and dead battery. Guaranteed alternator failure coming up. If I need to jump start another vehicle I ALWAYS turn mine off first (making sure my own engine is warmed up, easy to restart, and my battery had chance to recharge) then hook the booster cables and start the other vehicle. Then I can take the cables off and restart mine, and no harm to my own charge system. Thank you, love your channel!

[@EddyJToledo]

I can't express how happy I am to see your channel getting so close to its first million. As a fellow Auto Technician and brother in Christ, I highly appreciate every single second of all your videos. Thank you for setting a standard on what Automotive Service should be.

[@clarkpalace]

Oooh yuck. Religious stuff. Oh well, not hurting me.

[@rhinocelot]

I really like this style of video! I learned a bit about what an alternator is and I now know how to maintain it. I feel like I’m taking a college course on Toyotas. Toyota 101! Keep up the great work!

[@ChavezDIY]

I had a remanufactured power steering pump leak power steering fluid on my alternator and it eventually killed my alternator. I regret not taking care of that power steering pump when I first found out it was leaking. Lesson learned.

[@kelvinwebster521]

When he was in front of the board I legit felt like he was the new bob ross And we add alittle happy alternator over here

[@robertr1096]

Great informative video! It took me several weeks to discover the oil-soaked alternator of my 94 Toyota Pickup was causing the engine to cut out shortly after it started. The $100 Chinese alternator I bought from Amazon is still working 1 1/2 years later.

[@recabitejehonadab2654]

Nice 😊!

[@Desaved]

A man that is good with his hands and with his brains! Nice work!

[@jeffer1101]

I've been watching this channel for a couple of years now. It's one of the reasons I bought the car I did, a Venza (hybrid). It doesn't have an alternator (no starter either), but I'll still watch the video to support the channel. :)

[@michesbianan]

Great choice, venzas are very nice, simply put, it's a lexus, with the L badge.

[@leeka40]

Fantastic presentation! High current is always hard on electronics and it never occured to me that running the vehicle to bring a low battery up would place concerning wear on the alternator even though I know and have measured 7 amps or more in that senario. Now i know how to baby my 2002 Tacoma with 265,000 miles just a little bit better.

[@RamRam-wb9nw]

Look at ur ground I guarantee that you only have one from the negative post straight to the chassis instead of 2

[@edguitarstanleyeisen6179]

I was once going through a flooded área in my Corolla 04' and the battery light lit up for a few secs. I am glad I was not left stranded then, but the alternator survived and never gave me a problem later. Toyotas are wel made indeed

[@Eolafan1008]

LOL, we’re going to need to begin calling you “professor” AMD!

[@maxscriptguru]

One of the best videos you have ever put out. Thank you so much!

[@monchopr3511]

Thanks a lot! In my almost 20 years driving at last someone explains how it works. Blessings.

[@komradkolonel]

Just a good rule of thumb is that if you are in doubt about your battery or alternator just go to Auto Zone and have them load test them.

[@blackrifle6736]

*Agreed. If battery is marginal a load test will kill it for certain. Better there than on the freeway on a hot day.*

[@OG_Fernando]

I'd also recommend performing the Big 3 (or Big 4) which is upgrading the small gauge power/ground wire (that goes to the battery) with 100% OFC 0 gauge wiring.

[@DylanL69]

Usually don't need it

[@OG_Fernando]

@@DylanL69 Tell that to my amplifiers as just one of them does 5,000 watts RMS @ 1 ohm.

[@GarretPetersen]

That was the best explanation of three phase I seen. Easy to understand.

[@Aero_82]

Great video! '02 Tacoma here and still have my factory alternator working just fine.

[@InGratitudeIam]

I agree that keeping things stock/OEM makes sense. The problems start when, say for a 4Runner that's modded for overlanding, you add all kinds of lights and gadgets that require far more than the 100 or 130 amps the OEM alternator puts out, especially if you now have an AGM battery (or two) installed. I've heard good things about the DC Power, Inc. unit made specifically for the 4Runner with unique power demands and computer driven sensibilities.

[@uzielgutz7188]

Put a capacitor inline you should be golden, i had 250000 miles on my jeep never changed it

[@ianjay5301]

Excellent video. Had a problem with my Ranger recently. After 2 1/2 hours stuck in hot traffic jam, I stopped at a rest station on I75. No lights on dash or any other signs of a problem. Went to start the truck 10 minutes later - lights on dashboard, but no cranking. Battery was dead, well indicated 2 V on my meter. AAA was called but did not come. Managed to get a boost and drove to get a new battery. It was obvious that the alternator was working hard, but it made it. Put a new battery in the next morning (AAA called at 502 am to ask if I still needed help, fourteen hours later). The truck has been fine ever since. I'm going to get the charging system checked, but your explanation of the role of the battery vs the alternator explained things and makes sense. I have done about 2000 kms since the mishap, so I hope the alternator is ok, but I don't want it to happen again (I was on a trip from Canada to Florida and then back to Canada).

[@shinola228]

How old was your battery? I have found any time they're more than four years they can't be trusted - even if they test ok.

[@danieltphd1393]

I apreciate you doing over the theory behind ac and dc voltages. Very basic stuff and can transfer over to literally any other aspect of mechanics and engineering

[@BusterKitten]

love your teaching videos, you make them easy to understand. Keep them coming!!!

[@Airpaycheck]

Most folks dont know that when they buy a car battery, it doesn't come fully charged from the store. Best practice it to put it on a trickle charger right away to get it to 100%. I keep trickle chargers on my cars when they sit for a while, do a lot of short trips, or replace the battery.

[@hiiro24]

What brand and model of the trickle charger would you recommend?

[@GlennLaycock]

This was just excellent: I wondered how they go from AC to DC beyond very generally knowing what was needed to happen. My Neon had one low down - small and very nice looking thing the size of a big fist maybe - but $900 like 20 years ago just for the part (I gasped when the told me). My Elantra has a big unit right up front, actually the most noticeable thing - when new it looked fantastic inside with the almost orange copper inside. My salesperson said the AGM battery is also being used to protect the alternator and electrical system as it has much better guts to drive things without - I guess it would be the amps - of the alternator needing to get in there aggressively. My '04 Sebring GTC .. CAA tested the battery and said it was fine but showed kind of it was not happy (drained) and the guy said it is the alternator but more likely my starter; and to look into it as the alternator and battery were likely paying the price. Turned out the starter was drawing crazy high voltage or watts - something like near 600 instead of say 150 (I can't recall the numbers, just it was strongly different).

[@4Lights.5Liights]

Thanks for the advice. Your 3 phase diagram effort is pretty good.

[@nkiaoda1025]

By far my favorite KZbinr. Thank you for doing these videos. We learn so much from you!

[@rightlanehog3151]

👏👏

[@bradhumphrey5223]

I usually get between 200-300K miles on my Toyota's when the alternator starts to fail, just something I've noticed over the decades on all the vehicles I've owned. Story time = The wife was in FL in her Lexus RX300 (03') driving back, when the vehicle died while running. Why do most women never notice warning lights :( . Someone jumped her car and it ran for a few minutes before it died again. Alternator was completely dead. Drove 5 hours to her. I swapped my battery for hers, then we set off to come home. I charged the battery while driving (full field on my alternator), while she was draining down the battery on hers (we were driving in the middle of the night at this point). Every hour we would stop and swap batteries again (fresh one in her vehicle, low battery in mine to charge). Did this 5x and made it all the way home. Got a new alternator at the Toyota dealership the next day and 20 minutes to swap out. So if you ever find yourself stranded far from home in the middle of the night, playing swap out with someone else's battery can get you home. A little extra wear on the alternator is worth it.

[@andrewb8548]

Bring it to the place that rebuilds any DC motor in 10 minutes while you wait. New bearings, brushes, stator turned...$35 in 1997, $35 in 2001, $35 in 2014, $35 today. Guys been 90 years old the whole time.

[@nfgassmann8518]

A million subscribers can't be wrong. Man, I wish you were my auto shop teacher in 1968. Your method of teaching is very easy to watch. I don't have any alternator problems at this moment, but I...couldn't...stop...watching!!!!!!! Ha ha ha!!!!

[@ato5037]

Another tip to prolong the alternator's life is to purchase a smart car battery charger/maintainer. Every few weeks, just plug the charger to your car battery and the charger will charge up and maintain your car battery without overcharging it. That will mean less work that the alternator has to do, whenever you drive your car. (Your battery life will also be extended. 😁)