Defect in the charging system

The vehicle charging system consists of the the battery, alternator, and the wires connecting them. The alternator uses the movement of the crankshaft to generate electricity and recharge the battery. If there is a problem with the charging system, the battery may not be charged during driving, and will eventually run out of power.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Battery Loses Charge Quickly
  • 1.2 Battery Gauge Fluctuates
• 2. Causes
  • 2.1 Defective Battery
  • 2.2 Defective Alternator
  • 2.3 Defective Wiring

Symptoms

Battery Loses Charge Quickly

If the battery is losing its charge quickly, it may not be recharging during drives.

Battery Gauge Fluctuates

The battery gauge monitors the output of the battery. If the gauge is fluctuating, the charging system may not be restoring power to the battery or the battery may be loosing too much power. The gauge generally moves down slightly when a device that uses electricity is turned on.

Causes

Defective Battery

A defective battery will be unable to hold a charge. This will render the action of the alternator useless. The car may end up not starting.

Defective Alternator

If the alternator is defective, the battery will use up all of its power when the vehicle is in use. Since it will not be recharged while driving, the battery can become dead pretty quickly.

Defective Wiring

If the wiring from the alternator to the battery is defective, the current from the alternator may not reach the battery. This will prevent the battery from recharging.