Alternator Testing - GM
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- Опубліковано 11 чер 2017
- Come along with Eric O. as he has a look at this 2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0. The Check Charging System indicator (battery light) is on and we suspect the alternator has failed. The question is, how do you know if it is the alternator, the belt, the battery, corrosion, a broken wire or the ecm? Simple, you test it! --Enjoy!
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--Eric O.
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair. - Авто та транспорт
What we all look for in a mechanic:
Tests devices to be sure they can't be fixed and need to be replaced. Check.
Tests adjacent wiring to be sure of the diagnosis. Check.
Willing to admit when he makes a mistake, like ordering the wrong part. Check.
Doesn't blame underlings, who put effort into teamwork. Check.
Makes potentially complex tasks look simple and easy. Check.
Not always hunting for extra work to pad the customers bill. Check.
Has fun on the job, relaxed and joking, not overwhelmed with juggling details. Check.
Any wonder this channel is so popular?
well stated!!
As a professional viewer I can tell you we like certain consistencies. Your introduction, brake clean and your "If I can do it, you can do it". This was a simple procedure but add the computer control aspect and your DIY'er viewers will perk up. Plus your frustrations are appreciated because it validates our frustrations of doing our own repairs. Your doing great work on this channel and in your shop.
Thanks Wyatt. You still coming in Aug right?
South Main Auto Repair 100% Brother, I'll be there.
it validates we are all human and we all make mistakes but still great Video ERIC O AND THANKS
@@SouthMainAuto had a mini van years ago ,, all the front lights started going out about the same time ,, about a inch from the connector on all the marker and turn signal wires there was a hole and Green puss ,,, about 10 or 12 wires I had to fix ,, wish the person that had probed all the wires used that can you did too plug the pinch spot in the wires ,, another Great Video ..
I hope the stupidity from all the lunch break cubicle mechanics won't discourage you from making videos. This is one of the best car channels on YT, hands down.
arm chair input hasn't stopped him before, why would it now? :))
bahhh I don't care I just keep on truckin
This guy is one of the most honest and moral mechanics I have ever seen. I’m proud to have a chance to watch his content.
@@1967lathrop lli IP
@RUSH & CO. o P lo jrriorrjjjj IP pi l Ml r
I have never seen anyone else never seize an alternator bolt bushing hole. That's thorough!
Hey Eric! Retired mechanic here. I now sell auto parts and hand out advice (or try to). We had a similar vehicle with a no charge condition. I instructed the owner to go home and remove the alternator and bring it in for testing.Our testing machine revealed that the alternator was just fine. I told him that the ECM was probably the problem (check engine light on for months) and to go home and reinstall the alternator and bring the vehicle back for testing.Sure enough, there was a no charge condition. The owner told me I was an idiot , we were all stupid, that our alternator testing machine was faulty and demanded that I sell him a new (remanufactured) alternator. I'm sure you can deduce what happened next. Thanks for putting out great videos! Respect and admiration sir!
Hello Sir, may I borrow your experience? I’m not able to get a voltage reading while directly on the battery terminals (wires are hooked up). Same deal if I go from the jumping points. If I go from positive, to the ground that’s on the firewall, I get 12.5 or so, regardless of whether it’s running or not. I cleaned all terminals and ground connections that I could find. My next step is alternator. Is that a good assumption? It’s a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD 5.3L. I’m just a DIY guy, not a mechanic (obviously). Symptoms: battery light on dash is on. Truck died on the road today. Replaced battery and got it home. Battery light is still on, and my voltage readings are listed above.
@@Brindle_Boxer More than likely alternator but take it out and get it tested if unsure.
r3dhorse You’re correct, it was the alternator. I have an old hand me down digital tester, and it was throwing me off. I borrowed another voltmeter and confirmed it was the alternator, and then replaced it. Thanks for replying!
@@Brindle_Boxer One of the 2 voltmeter wires is broken, it connected when reading gnd. on firewall . Also Eric said take alt. to parts store for test, if good then ck. that ECM is sending 400 hz. to alt. while motor is running .hope helps.
Always test your test equipment to rule out faulty test equipment
Eric O's Theoretical Mechanics Class and logistical repairs. This guy is the difference between a real technician, and a "parts replacer". Another complete repair.
Eric I thank you for taking the time to video all the details of this repair. You have no idea how helpful you are and how much you teach us DIYers. The Brake cleaner, the Ant seize, the liquid tape, the diagnostics with multimeter, not breaking off the 'ears' of the bracket (using pliers). Keep up the great work!! None of it is boring to me. !!
You are my far the best mechanic on here. You positivity. Your attention to detail. You are down to earth and take the time to explain everything to us viewers
Who the hell would thumbs down this?!! Can only be the parts guy after making 3 trips to SMA!
Agreed. Two thumbs down within minutes of posting a TWENTY-MIN video?
CANT BE he is playing with the cat if it is still alive.Jimmy S
Must be a nut that was a good video.Niamh Healy
Three thumbs down now! One for every trip he made? Haha he's pissed! :p
Could be he may have been on his smart phone.
Overlooked the bushing in hole one time...wallowed out the through bolt hole, wobble in alternator
Slung belt and left me stranded...nice touch! Very critical!
Great diagnostic video. Never thought to check the ecm control wire input on an alternator. Learn something new everyday. As you say, it's worth covering all options and when it becomes routine, there's no great hassle and no dreaded comebacks !! New alternator holding up well under load and another happy customer.
I love how you go above and beyond your work ethic. It's all in the details.
I had a newly licenced mechanic in our shop have this issue and he immediately went to parts for an alternator. I asked him his test results and he said it's obviously the alternator why waste time. I had to show him the testing procedure he had no idea how to do it. The ECU wasn't giving the signal to charge. He always follows procedure now and he's become a good analytical mechanic.
Mechanics 101 young fellas watch this channel and learn from a pro
As an Advance Auto Parts employee just gotta say awesome choice in parts for this video! But in all seriousness, these videos are great and help me out immensely when i'm working on cars i'm not 100% sure on. Keep them coming and thank you for putting in the work creating this channel.
Good video, keep'em coming! Simple or complicated, it's good to learn or refresh the memory, we all develop bad habits over the years.
Man, oh man, this is an AWESOME video. Mike, you are a mechanic's mechanic. This is the best repair video I have ever seen in my 76 years. Thanks, loads. Barry
Sorry Eric, this comment was supposed to go to Mike Lauer's GM Alternator rebuild However, this takes nothing away from you, as you are fantastic also. I enjoy all your videos. Thanks, Barry
as a fellow mechanic I learn something new from watching your vids can never be too old to learn thanks Eric o keep rolling
Keep bringing the "everyday stuff" because we learn stuff and it's cool watching you work.
thanks Eric for walking us through basic trouble shooting a possible alternator replacement. Keep up the great work.
I run into this kind of thing all the time. Boss used to give me a hard time for taking a bit longer to diagnose correctly. He's a lot happier now seeing as he is saving money in the long run by not replacing good parts with shiny ones (lol). I have seen it way to many times. Nice to know I'm not the only one that thinks this way. Keep the great videos coming my friend.
if you don't test then it is nothing more than a big fat guess
Thank you for your videos, I only wished that I had back in the day an instructor that could explane electrical like you do! Keep up the videos not only you are entertaining , but very educational.
Eric and Ivan are competing on who can crank out the most videos in a week.
GOOD STUFF
Garrett Martin nyet
Garrett Martin I I watched Ivan and I wasnt impressed. His videos are not the same as SMA. His style and explaination is so different. im staying here
Yes it is great no matter who comes out on top we win!Garrett Martin
Ivan is good and he makes his point give him a chance. Kenneth White
His wifes truck.
I love the fact you got the difference between a short and an open circuit, so many call everything a short.
Watch all your videos Eric. I like your approach and your commentaries. Especially when you sometimes jump the gun but are quick to let us know. That shows to me that you always double check either by t/s or calling Ivan or Keith. Great shows you put on! Keep up the fantastic videos!
Pretty neat, i had no idea about the ECM matterial you covered, but the visual graph with load reductions was helpful to get a picture of what is going on. Thanks for the explanation, I learn something in every video of yours! Also, the brake cleaner scene was amazing!
I learn by reputition, over and over again. Different cars, same trouble shooting steps, adventually seeing a pattern. I learn alot from your videos. How you think, what you look for, the details that you look for, the details that you do from the experience you have so I will not go the wrong road, or break a part . Thank you for the information.
Always enjoy. Chasing grounds and repairing is what I have a hard time following. Just finding the wires looks confusing to me. But, you are the professional, that's why I watch.
Thanks for being upfront about the vantage. Good video.
Eric enjoy all your videos and your troubleshooting techniques. Always informative. Keep them coming.
Yes, another Eric O video!
I have a 2007 Suburban. Watch all GM/Chevy truck videos with special interest! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I became a Patreon last month :)
Great info on the vid. I subscribed to your channel because it is very informative on electrical issues. Thanks for contributing your time to make these videos
its crazy that you look into all these extra things most mechanics would just throw in a new alternator and say ur good but it might not work love this channel
Really enjoying the hard work you put into the videos.
Wish I could find a mechanic like you.
Like what you said about not replacing until you really check, Thats what we call integrity, Hats off to ya.
Eric, Working as a full time mechanic I know the fight for the right part, and its a crappy deal! I can easily turn a 25 min job into a 3 hour jobs. Often the part is out of stock or unavailable. Unfortunately on a daily basis I deal with this crap that they call reman. Gotta love rediagnosing a new part as bad or defective. Most people don't understand the struggle and get upset when you suggest dealer parts for this reason.
Hi Erick, seen some negative comments about you, well my friend ,i been watching your chanal. And let me tell you thank you ,i done some repairs on my car thanks to you, don't pay attention to the comments from loosers.
Keep the good work
Ed from California
Any video from you is a great video thanks Eric! You are a great teacher and very entertaining
I heard the click! It was louder than the voices in my head!
Best of luck friend.
Because of the squeaky belt and while the alternator is off it would be a good idea to check the other accessories for rough bearings. I had an alternator replaced that wasn’t faulty but the water pump bearing was shot but not leak.
That caused the squeaking and alternator not able to spin while the ECM was asking for full charge.
A fan of your channel.
Great video. Thank you for all your time making these videos. Always learn something new
I found out my alternator is intermittent because I took my portable bench scope and looked at it's output. I hate guessing. So I don't. Great detail Eric !!
Always good to make sure. Nothing aggravates me as just throwing in a part to find out the issue was a broken wire or other problem
Once again. Great job Eric!
I like when you fail makes me want to keep pushing to get better. Brother you are teaching your replacement and that what we need to do. Boss up
"Fuel efficient 6.0" I love your videos.
13:00 - In Knipex we trust!
12:30 the most beautiful sound of spring, the call of the robin.
they are chirping pretty much round-robin :)
Great video as always Eric O
Thanks for an informative and helpful video - the small stuff is important too!
Keep doing what you're doing Eric O.!!!
just wanted to say... since i enjoy your channel i dont skip the ads
Great video well done! You always do awesome! Videos just when I need them.
Nice work. Thank you for the informative videos that you do.
I had an alternator test good at a parts store with a 'low charge ' indicator on the dash 2007 yukon denali. Swapped it out with a new one with a 300amp output and fixed the problem.
Love the shows. Would you be willing to do a video on the diagnostic tool. That would be great to see and hear you opinion on functionality and what to look for.
Hello EricO thank you for making these videos . Just watched your 4part video on your 5.3 Chevy engine swap ...I hope that day never comes on my 03'Seirra....stay safe and have fun at work I ,I know every day is not not fun and games but I can tell you enjoy your job!! Just wondered if any " ladies " watch your videos that had their vehicles worked on at you shop and heard you say "Well there's you problem ,Lady!!" That cracks me up!!
Haha no but when they do I will be sure to use that line!
Another nice one. And Hannah still helping out. Thx for sharing.
Another informative and entertaining one for the archives, 2 returned alternators is payback for all the bad parts they have sent u
I still feel bad about it, ihate making mistakes
South Main Auto Repair that's why we keep watching, ur human and honest, thanks for being one of the best channels out there
Playing catch up this morning - I'm way behind! On to the next SMA vid .... :)
Great video and a great technician
awesome video. Wished you had discussed what the other control wire does and how to test it.
Excellent amazing videos, I wish that I lived where you are so I could bring my vehicles to you. Outstanding troubleshooting before replacing anything. Also, like the videos with that little QT (Miss Hannah) lol Thanks for the videos, learned a lot.
great vid. I have a habit in a situation where re-using the old belt, of adding a small dab of dialectric grease on both sides of it.
Eric,
Another great video. Thanks and God bless.
Paul
This topic reminds me of a charging system I looked at and repaired like 22 years ago. Drove someone to pick up a used mid 1980's ish GM sedan (cavalier/delta 88 I think) car they just purchased, as soon as they started it battery light was on (previous owner claimed to not know about it). Got the vehicle back to their residence (after several jumper cable charge and start sessions), pulled out my digital multimeter and ran some voltage checks. Key off had no voltage on heavy and medium red wires (alternator had the medium and small wires in a white connector on the side), with key on had voltage at the small wire. Knowing the large and medium wires were supposed to be always on, and medium wires usually routed to battery post on the alternator, i pulled out my jumper cables and made a direct connection between the battery positive and battery postin the alternator. Started the car and it started charging. After all that background I traced the large red cable to a set of fusible links at the battery post of the starter (of course the links for the alternator wires were blown). Repaired the links with suitable replacements and made the people happy that they could drive the car they just purchased.
This video was very helpful for me on an 08 Torrent 3.4.
Thanks for the videos,Im testing my daughters Cadillac CTS 2011,Battery light came on,I charged the battery,the car has a reader for the voltage it went up to 14.2 and running after a while down to 11.85v ,looking at all these videos looking for guidance and you impress me with your knowledge, even if you ordered the wrong part twice,😂 it takes a real man to admit his errors,anyone else would have deleted that. Great job. Hope I can find what is wrong,because this alternador is way down deep and under.
On the old Delcotron alternators you could test them by going through the 'D' shaped hole on the back of the alternator case with a small screwdriver and touch the back of the regulator on the inside and touch the case and it would 'full field' the alternator.
Eric, shit happens with ordering parts, it makes for video drama anyway. Its great how you show us all the tests, I really get to learn from these examples, thanks.
This is an awesome video, I am just a DIY'er but bought a cheapo $40 oscilloscope from Amazon to test the questionable alternator on my 2004 chevy tahoe. It's good enough for broke people haha. However I really like the idea of buying a nice multimeter capable of reading Hz at 3v RMS and up. I have a nice Klein meter but apparently it can only read Hz and duty cycles at 8v rms and up. The duty cycle wire voltage on gm alternators of this vintage is 5v rms lol. So keep that in mind when multimeter shopping
It felt great to definitely diagnose the problem before throwing a part at it and praying. Thanks for your help Eric!
Nice preparation to a part replacement. I really have to ask how many mechanics actually turn everything on to check the output of a new alternator at idle for 5 minutes or so. I'd guess very few bother to. I did the same with my vehicle after adding an electric cooling fan that drew about 25 new amps to the system and at idle, the stock alternator wasn't keeping up at idle. Had to replace it with more amperage. Also added an 8 gauge fused wire to the battery + to prevent over amping the stock wire harness.
Good video Eric. Have instruments, we'll prevail
.
that's why mrs o is so important to the shop!!! she orders the right parts lol ;-)
She sure is that's what they say behind every good man is a good women!
Well call me slap nuts , that’s right she wasn’t in that day boy boy boy stay in the shop my man you have a lot to learn 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Brake clean. solves all problems. Love the entrance music for it! I hear it in my head when I grab my own can at work haha
"In theory" "Son of a...biscuit!" lmao a few of my favorite catchphrases. The other day at work a co-worker was riding the electric cherry picker on snail mode and I hollered, "give her the beans!"
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 I love it! I'm going to have to remember to use that! I can't believe I forgot about it
My Dad would let 'er rip when us boys were growing up. No Filter.
When his granddaughters came around, Mom read him the riot act on the language. The 'ol WWII Combat Engineer changed to
"Son of a biscuit eater!" I still smile.
Being an excellent Father, Eric.
Thanks for the video Eric. Enjoyed it👍
Very informative. Thanks!
Those alternators usually burn up the voltage regulator or rectifier first. A bag of new parts that includes two new bearings, regulator and rectifier are available for a cost of about $30 plus, you can install premium grade bearings that are wider if it will apply and a more robust voltage regulator (XHD). Most shops won't rebuild them due to the labor cost would exceed a new or rebuilt one however, if a customer wants premium parts inside, at least they are available versus tracking down a premium alternator as most parts houses don't stock them.
"I'm not one to shotgun a part at it. I'll just shotgun 3." Haha! Great video!
Great video Eric!
This video closely replicates my reality when working on a car. Blame it on a brain cramp or brain fart or more likely in my case a senior moment.
Eric:
The GM V8's with the "small" 105 amp alternator can be swapped
with the higher amp 145 amp alternator.
Same connectors and mounts.
The way to tell which you have is easy.
If the front and back of the alternator case "touch" each other directly,
you have the smaller 105 amp alternator (which this video shows)
The larger 145 amp alt has a 3/4" "spacer" between the front and rear of the case.
When upgrading,
just replace the belt and get the one for the larger alternator.
Also, the higher amp alternator is CHEAPER
I have done this upgrade many times.
Own and work on those alternators a few time.. never noticed those spacers... always slapped a oem used one in and called it a day. lol
Great job again like always A+
when the 2pin plug is unplugged it charges at a default of 13.7v.. I'm about to bypass the ecm and use an external voltage regulator, ducks when u need a constant 14.4v and it only puts out 13.8, especially since I have a mechman 370a alternator, things a beast.. the gm pcm/alternators internal regulator is very difficult to manipulate.. I'm going to bypass the internal regulator, and hook right into the leads off the brushes and set the voltage at 14.6, then eventually move to a 14v system.. nice video
2am in AZ, well I was going to go to bed, haha. Awesome videos!
Have you moved the you tube viewing screen to the sleeping room.
The very SAME THING happened to me, changing out the alternator on my '05 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 series. 8.1 autoride. Parts store messed me up. Another trip to a different (closer) town yadda yadda, yadda. Now I know that it even happens to the best. 😊
another quick and simple test that i do out of habit even with the multimeter is switch it to ac voltage and this allows to to see any voltage ripple. voltage ripple is always low like 100 millivolts or less but it can really have a bazaar effect on a vehicle. it take 2 extra seconds to test on any drivability diagnostics too.
Man these videos really help the average Joe like my self learn and save money thanks
Instead of piercing the ECM control control wire to read voltage, would it be possible to use an amp clamp? If you are reading amps can you assume there are no breaks in the wire and the ECM is working?
Love your videos, keep on posting...
Never have I loved seeing brake cleaner so so much. :)
Almost brought myself to donate a new belt and tensioner for this guy. I would go batty having to listen to that belt squeak all day
Cool video. Currently have a voltage drop problem on my 02 Sierra half ton. New battery didn't solve it. Still drops while driving. Put in a new fuel filter. Didn't help. Now I think I'm gonna have to put in a new alternator. Should be fun. Hopefully this darn electrical problem goes away soon. It's annoying.
These are such great videos and of course that computer controlling the cycle of the Alt dosent help things but as a guide to final testing as he showed when you turn on at least 50% extra load you should not see more that 1/2 a volt drop. The voltage was around 13.9 and thats good. If it was less than 13.5 with a new alt, it means you have lot resistance in the B+ wire between bat and Alt or on neg side. You can conform by taking reading at alt and battery and see the drop. An old 50 amp cable after many years wont carry 50 amps anymore and in my cars case i just soldered in another 50 amp wire in parallel and now i lose only about .2 of a volt with most things on. Thats good. Also check the return to body ground and i do engine earth as well so all basic circuit is good.
A Battery is 12.6 volts fully charged and you must charge greater than this to flow into the battery. However you effectively need really at least 13.5 volts to get anywhere and if regulation is around 14-14.5v as eg, i will check wiring anyway when i see under 14v loaded as better to catch corroding wires early for cold day when you suddenly need to turn all heaters, lights and air con and discover the drop so much the battery starts to discharge and you get stuck.
Also charge rate will vary with temp compensation so you might see volt descend a little as alt gets hotter.
I got boggled over one of these 2 wire "smart" charging system GM trucks years ago. The truck ha 70,000 on it and now and then the "check charging system" message popped up on the dash. The truck also had a MEAN light flicker at night when the headlights were on. This was after a trip from FL to NYC and back so I have to give it credit for lasting on that ride. All I had was a fluke DVM. I set it at the min max setting, hooked up the meter and watched the voltage when I put a load on it, I saw the voltage lows and spikes and I was all "yea alternator" :D I Didn't think It needed one but that confirmed it, voltage was allover the place. I think that silent code sets and triggers the dash message if its over 15 something volts for so many seconds and under 12 something volts for so many seconds.
Alternator is at the top, like a mustang. Good job GM, you did something right
Another outstanding video--so--I am going to be replacing the alternator on a 6.5 diesel--oem is 105amps--would like to go higher---any recommendations as to brand etc. I always have horrible luck with both Starters and Alternators.
Good review. Love the snap on meter. Had a similar problem, but it was diode in alternator,
Does Chevy have a plug in to check alternator while driving, or a dash add on device,? Bo
That bird singing in the background is great..!