Can a burned-out car alternator be repaired?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, a burned-out car alternator cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced with a new one. The alternator is a crucial component in a vehicle. After starting the engine, it supplies power to all electrical devices in the car and also charges the battery. If the alternator fails, the engine cannot operate normally. The car alternator serves as the primary power source, functioning to supply electricity to all electrical devices (except the starter) while simultaneously charging the battery when the engine is running normally. Based on the three-phase stator winding of a conventional AC generator, additional winding turns are added with lead-out terminals, along with an extra three-phase bridge rectifier. At low speeds, the output comes from the series connection of the original winding and additional winding, while at higher speeds, only the original three-phase winding provides output.
I just encountered a generator burnout issue last week and rushed to the repair shop for inspection. The technician said the common causes of burnout are usually internal carbon brush wear leading to a short circuit or excessive voltage. Repair is feasible, but it depends on the extent of damage. If it's just a minor component issue, like a burnt carbon brush or worn belt, spending some money to replace it can fix the problem, costing half the price of a brand-new generator. However, if the core coil is burnt out, repairs become troublesome and unstable, making a full replacement the better option. In my case, it was a minor short circuit, and I only spent 300 yuan to fix it. In short, get it diagnosed as soon as possible—safety first. Don’t delay, as it could affect the charging system and cause the battery to fail as well. It’s recommended to visit a professional shop for inspection before deciding whether to repair it—don’t try to fix it yourself.
