Why Are Alternators Subject To Ripple Voltage?

Main Navigation

Advertisement
Social Connect
Resources
Our Brand Family
AutoSuccess Online
The No. 1 Sales-Improvement Source for the Automotive Professional
Dealer Service

Why Are Alternators Subject To Ripple Voltage?

The alternator produces an AC current that must be converted into DC current by way of a rectifier.

Brian Sexton
By Brian Sexton
Brian Sexton is an automotive technical writer for Babcox Media
Published:

Alternators have been used to charge the 12V DC electrical systems in vehicles since long before computers and networks were part of the equation. Just a few decades ago, the 12V DC electrical system wasn’t that vulnerable to ripple voltage. Today however, excessive ripple voltage can cause major communication issues across networks and can cause a number of communication DTCs to be set in multiple control modules.

Related Articles

Want to learn more about what causes ripple voltage?

Click HERE to read the Underhood Service article.

You May Also Like

Enhancing Accessory Offerings and Car Care Products in Service Centers
New Rislone DEF Crystal Clean™ Diesel DEF & SCR Emissions System Cleaner scrubs away crystal contaminants from the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems of diesel cars, trucks, and SUVs to cost-effectively restore power and performance.
Ford dealers and Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are investing $2 million in scholarship funding in 10 regions to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.
USO, UTI Partner to Support Service Members' Career Transitions
Dealer Service

Why Do Vehicles Go Out of Alignment?

If camber, caster or toe are out of specifications, there is usually a reason why.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Babcox Media.
Published:

You’ve seen it a hundred times. A vehicle comes in with abnormal wear on a front tire. It looks like camber wear. One shoulder is badly worn, but the other front tire appears to be OK. You put it on your alignment machine and check camber and toe. Sure enough, camber on the wheel with the worn tire is out of specifications. You visually inspect the suspension for obvious signs of wear or damage like collapsed control arm bushings, a bad ball joint, or a weak or broken spring, but you find nothing. You assume the front end is out of adjustment, so you reset camber to specifications and send the customer on his or her way.

Read Full Article

More Dealer Service Posts
Hunter Engineering: ADAS Calibration & Connectivity Drive Growth

Hunter’s Pete Liebetreu explains the company’s Ultimate ADAS system, its areas of growth and its outlook on wheel service for EVs.

By Madeleine Winer
Hunter's Pete Liebetreu explains the company's Ultimate ADAS system, its areas of growth and its outlook on wheel service for EVs.
Selecting the Ideal Car Lift for EV Servicing

When choosing the right car lift for servicing electric vehicles there are several key factors to consider.

By Brett Baranauckas
Key Factors in Selecting the Ideal Car Lift for Electric Vehicle Servicing- Coats
Mayhew Introduces 14-Piece Micro Hand Tool Set

This new set is a compilation of all the current micro line products, including pry bars, picks, hooks and screwdrivers.

By AutoSuccess Staff Writers
This new set is a compilation of all the current micro line products from Mayhew; including pry bars, picks, hooks and screwdrivers.
BendPak Offers Space-Saving Full-Rise Scissor Lift

The new BendPak SP-7XE Series of full-rise scissor lifts provides the performance and undercarriage access of traditional two-post lifts in a more compact, space-saving package.

By AutoSuccess Staff Writers
The new BendPak SP-7XE Series of full-rise scissor lifts provides the performance and undercarriage access of traditional two-post lifts in a more compact, space-saving package. Floor- and flush-mount models of this frame-engaging lift are available.

Other Posts

Hunter Engineering Wins Optimizely Award

Hunter employed several Optimizely products to help provide exceptional customer experiences. With the assistance of Optimizely CMS, Hunter’s corporate website Hunter.com saw a 70% increase in monthly average pageviews.

By AutoSuccess Staff Writers
Hunter Engineering Wins Optimizely Award
Collision Careers Launches Digital Campaign to Attract Technicians

Aimed at attracting technicians to the field, the videos highlight various professional roles in collision repair including structural technicians, estimators and electric diagnostics technicians.

By Jennifer Clements
collision careers tech shortage
ASE, Dealer Associations Partner to Increase Awareness of Automotive Careers

ASE is partnering with dealer associations to conduct student competitions designed to increase awareness of automotive career opportunities.

By AutoSuccess Staff Writers
young automotive technicians and mechanics
Access Tight Spaces with Mini Angle Die Grinder

The low-weight, ultra-compact design provides added control and maneuverability.

By AutoSuccess Staff Writers
Florida Pneumatic Manufacturing Corporation recently released the AIRCAT 6250 1⁄4” Mini Angle Die Grinder.