The 3 wire alternator detects the voltage at the fuse block and the ignition, so it can regulate the charge and adjust it when necessary. The diode itself prevents two-way current flow – once the key is released the alternator will run, and it will be able to shut off when the key goes to the off position.įAQs Why does the alternator have 3 wires? When you flip it back off, the diode will turn off and not leech battery power. When you turn the ignition to the On position, the diode will light up and the alternator field gets excited – hence the name. The wire goes through the diode and connects to the On position of the ignition switch. It’s often called the dummy light as it doesn’t have a practical purpose in the sense of illumination. Terminal 1 connects to a dashboard light, a diode, or a LED light. I’m not sure what exactly it does, but you can read the 1-letter code marking the terminal and check online. Terminal 2 connects to the positive lead and forms a small circuit. It goes to the battery, with or without passing through a junction block (an intersection for cables), and delivers power. The positive lead is the thick red wire with the o-ring. The identification process is important, as you don’t want to get them confused. Now, let’s talk about what each of the steps does. On the cars that don’t have it, you’ll wire a dummy light between terminal 1 and the On position of the ignition switch. Terminal 1 should be connected to the gen, battery, or alt dashboard light.Tighten the bolt with a nut to connect the two o-rings with the alternator.Plug the wire into terminal 2, and place the o-ring side over the bolt, after the red wire. ![]() Get a short piece of wire with an adequate terminal plug on one end, and an o-ring on the other.Every car should have one by default regardless of the alternator type. Place the o-ring of the positive battery wire on the bolt.On the top, terminal 1 and terminal 2 are positioned next to each other and accept small plugs. The bottom connection is a bolt for the o-ring wire connector to sit on. Identify the three connection points on the alternator.To connect a 3-wire alternator without a previous reference to go by or compatible plugs, you’ll have to follow these steps: ![]() We’ve already covered the process of how to fix an alternator, so check that out if you need the step-by-step guide on how to remove and install a new alternator correctly. When you’re dealing with a direct replacement, the process is extremely simple – memorize the position of the plugs, disconnect them, and then reconnect the new alternator. The 3 wire alternator, as the name implies, needs three wires to function. The alternator recharges the battery and acts as the main power supply for the entire vehicle when the engine is running. ![]() The question that came up frequently is how to connect a 3 wire alternator where it’s not a factory option, so in this article, we’ll give you a complete answer so you can go out and rewire your car! How to Connect a 3 Wire AlternatorĪn alternator takes the mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the engine and the movement of the drive belt and converts it into electrical energy. We’ve covered a number of topics regarding alternators on VehicleFreak, from identifying alternator-related issues to finding the best replacement and explaining how to install it yourself.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |