Do you own a '69-or-earlier Mopar musclecar? Unless it has already been upgraded, the charging system consists of the old "weak sister" single-field alternator and its accompanying mechanical ...

International Rectifier (www.irf.com) has introduced a LIN-controlled alternator-regulator (IRVR101) designed to optimize performance in next-generation intelligent automotive charging systems for ...

Today’s 12-V alternator regulators must do much more than just regulate—they even include a basic network interface. The days of a simple dc-charging subsystem in a car consisting of an alternator, ...

A common problem exists when driving automotive alternators via motors. In the process of attempting to regulate the charging voltage of a low battery, the alternator shaft torque usually exceeds the ...

When Chevrolet introduced the redesigned Corvette in 1963 one of the new features was the Delcotron alternator that replaced the venerable generator. Dubbed the 10 DN, the externally regulated ...

Last week, I talked about troubleshooting a car-died-while-driving condition on my 1969 Lotus Elan +2, which I eventually traced to a broken contact face—on a set of points that didn’t even have 300 ...

It’s always the same sinking feeling when you notice that the interior lights seem dim as you climb into your Mustang. A twist of the key confirms the miserable truth with a clicking noise from the ...

The humble automotive alternator hides an interesting secret. Known as the part that converts power from internal combustion into the electricity needed to run everything else, they can also ...

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 ...

Last week, I talked about how the alternator in my daily driver 2003 BMW E39 530i died while my wife and I were in southern New Hampshire, and how we successfully made the 45-minute trip home just as ...