Your car’s alternator is an essential component of the vehicle’s charging system. The Au Falcon Alternator is a type of alternator designed explicitly for the Ford Au Falcon, and it plays a significant role in helping to keep your car running smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss what the Au Falcon Alternator does, how it works, and why it is so important.
The function of an Au Falcon Alternator
The alternator is an essential part of your car’s electrical system, as it converts the energy from the engine into usable power for your car’s electronics. The alternator is connected to the crankshaft pulley and operates by converting the mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. This electrical energy then powers your car’s electronic components, such as the headlights, radio, and air conditioning. The alternator also charges the battery while your car is running, which helps prevent it from dying and ensures that you have enough power when needed.
For the alternator to work effectively, it must be appropriately maintained. It includes regular inspections, cleaning, and replacement of worn or broken parts. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your alternator and ensure that it operates efficiently and reliably. Regular oil changes are also essential since a dirty engine will require more electricity from the alternator than a clean one. It’s also important to regularly check the voltage regulator and other wiring connections. If there are any loose connections, they should be tightened up to prevent overcharging or undercharging the battery.
Finally, if you notice any signs that your car isn’t charging correctly—such as dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, or slow cranking—it may be time to check your alternator out. A professional mechanic can inspect it, diagnose the problem, and make any necessary repairs. With proper care and maintenance, your Au Falcon Alternator will serve you faithfully for years to come.
The history of the Au Falcon alternator
The Au Falcon alternator has been around since the late 1960s when the first versions were produced in the Ford Falcon. Initially, the alternator was designed to provide power for the engine and electrical systems of the car. Over time, the design of the alternator has evolved to be more efficient and reliable, becoming an essential part of many cars.
The original design of the Au Falcon Alternator featured a self-exciting brushless design, which allowed for more reliable and consistent power output. This type of alternator also used less energy and ran more incredibly than its predecessors, making it a popular car choice.
Over the years, the design of the Au Falcon alternator has seen various upgrades, most notably the introduction of a pulley system that could drive the alternator faster while producing more power. This system was eventually replaced by a variable-speed pulley system that allowed drivers to select the speed at which their alternator runs.
Today, the Au Falcon alternator remains a popular choice for many cars as it is reliable and efficient. Its wide range of features makes it an ideal choice for modern vehicles, and its history has helped shape it into the dependable and efficient part it is today.
How to check the functionality of your alternator
- Start your car and check to see if the dashboard warning lights are lit up. If lights are lit up, your alternator may fail and should be checked out.
- Locate the alternator belt under the hood of your car. With the engine running, use a wrench to rotate the alternator pulley while your helper watches the dashboard warning lights. If the lights dim or go off, your alternator is not working correctly.
- Use a multimeter to test the alternator’s voltage output by connecting the red and black probes to the back of the alternator. Make sure that the car’s ignition is turned on but not running. The multimeter should read between 13.5-14.5 volts for a properly functioning alternator. If it reads lower than this, your alternator needs to be replaced.
- Finally, you can test the alternator with a load test. For this, you’ll need an amp clamp or a unique tool for testing alternators. Connect the amp clamp around the cable leading from the alternator to the battery and then start your car and rev the engine up to 3,000 RPMs. The load test will measure how much amperage is coming from your alternator. A healthy alternator should produce between 55-75 amps at 3,000 RPMs. If it’s lower than this, your alternator needs to be replaced.
Symptoms that your alternator may be failing
- Dimming or flickering lights: If your car’s headlights and interior lights are noticeably dimmer than usual, this can indicate that the alternator is failing. It occurs because the alternator no longer provides enough voltage to power the lights.
- Trouble starting: If you notice that your car is having difficulty starting, this can indicate that the alternator is not producing enough electricity to turn over the engine properly.
- Battery warning light: If the battery warning light on your dashboard comes on, this can also be a sign of alternator failure. If the alternator is not charging the battery, the light will come on.
- Warning noises: Alternators that are failing may make grinding or whining noises when the engine is running.
- Electrical problems: If you notice that any of your electrical accessories, such as the radio or windows, are not working correctly, then this can be a sign of alternator failure. It is because these accessories require a certain amount of voltage to function, and if the alternator fails, it will not be able to provide this voltage.
How to replace your Au Falcon Alternator
Replacing your Au Falcon Alternator can be intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a relatively straightforward procedure. To begin, you’ll need to disconnect the battery and unbolt the alternator from the engine. Depending on your model, you may need to remove other parts like brackets or wiring harnesses to get to the alternator.
Next, you’ll need to disconnect the wiring from the back of the alternator. In most cases, the wires will be colour coded and labelled for easy identification. After all the wiring is disconnected, you can remove the old alternator and bolt in the new one. Ensure all connections are secure before reattaching the wiring and battery.
Once everything is reassembled, you’ll want to start the car to test if the alternator is working correctly. If your battery light is on or your vehicle is struggling to keep its charge, you may need to make some adjustments. You can do this by adjusting the voltage regulator or looking at the ground wire connections.
If you’re uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself, consider consulting a professional mechanic to ensure your car’s safety and optimal performance. With the right tools and know-how, replacing your Au Falcon Alternator is a simple process.
Conclusion
Your car’s Au Falcon Alternator is essential to your vehicle’s electrical system. It is responsible for supplying power to your car’s electrical components and charging the battery. It is necessary to be aware of any signs that might indicate a problem with your alternator, such as dimming headlights or warning lights. If you suspect a problem with your alternator, it is best to have it tested and, if necessary, replaced by a qualified mechanic. With proper maintenance, your alternator should provide you with years of reliable service.