The alternator is responsible for charging the car battery and powering all the car's onboard network consumers. If it fails or is unstable, the battery will either not be charged or start discharging ...

Your alternator is arguably one of the most important parts of your engine. Usually found attached to the front of the block, it’s responsible for keeping your battery charged as you drive down the ...

Disconnecting the battery while the engine is running isn't a valid test for alternator function and may damage sensitive electronic parts. Instead, use a common voltmeter and the following test ...

When your car doesn’t start, often a low or dead battery is the culprit. Unfortunately, most vehicle owners do not check their battery until it fails. As preventative maintenance, the suggested best ...

A resistance-type battery tester can tell if your car battery is up to snuff. Q: My minivan has failed to start a couple of times recently, because of a low battery. It turns over, but won't spin fast ...

If your car or truck won’t hold a charge, or if you’re having signs electrical gremlins like dimming headlights, you probably need a new alternator. “If you keep a vehicle over 100,000 miles, chances ...

Zak is new to the CarBuzz team, working as a freelance content writer. When Zak isn't writing How To articles for CarBuzz he's working as a high school automotive technology instructor. Before ...

Disconnecting the battery while the engine is running isn't a valid test for alternator function and may damage sensitive electronic parts. Instead, use a common voltmeter and the following test ...