2006-11-27 07:33:15 · 8 answers · asked by Eric S 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you don't know where it is or what it looks like, I don't think you should be looking for your own safety. If you must, most answers were right. The alternator is turned by an accessory belt that is driven by the crankshaft. Someone told you that it is always at the "front" of the engine. While this is true, sometimes the engine is transverse, or sideways mounted. This is the case for front wheel-drive cars. So, the alternator will be found on the side of the engine compartment (usually passenger side). If you go looking for it make sure the engine is off, that is if you like your fingers. Some cars have one long serpentine belt that drives all of the accessories (A/C, P.S., alternator, air pump, etc.). Most cars have multiple belts that drive each one separately. All belts, though, start at the crankshaft, the lowest point at the "front" of the engine. Alternators are always round; electrical generators about the size of a cantaloupe. Most also have cooling fins, as opposed to say a power steering pump, which will have none. In every case there will be a wire harness connected, usually of 3-5 wires or so. Most, if not all will have a case made of cast metal. The other accessories generally do not. Hope that helps. I would not suggest that you mess with one if you are not mechanically inclined. K.
2006-11-27 09:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by kfhaggerty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's got a belt on it and is always on the front of the engine. It has a wire harness or maybe 2 wires coming out the back depending on the year of the car.
It also has a small fan like part right behind the pulley on it that keeps it cool. Typically at the top of the engine and to the left side but it varies by car.
2006-11-27 15:37:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at your belts. Imported cars are a pain in the *ss, but american cars are usually staring you right at you betweek the engine and radiator. Look at the wires coming off the battery, and find one that connects to something that is connected with one of the belts, and that would be your alternator.
2006-11-27 15:39:14 · answer #3 · answered by Frank 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a cable that runs from the battery to the alternator. Follow the cable and you should be able to find it
2006-11-27 15:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It usually has a belt attached to it... It's sort of a cylinder shape... It is what powers the battery. I wouldn't do too much work if you don't know what the parts look like... :)
2006-11-27 15:36:25 · answer #5 · answered by RobbinATL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the car running.....lick your fingers.... stand in a puddle and start touching things. The round thing that shocks the snot out of you is the alternator
2006-11-27 15:35:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Look for one of these:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.avionicswest.com/images/alternatornew.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.avionicswest.com/myviewpoint/alternators.htm&h=242&w=288&sz=11&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=O5EckcJmNhLQdM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=115&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dalternator%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN
2006-11-27 17:01:10 · answer #7 · answered by Trackerrrr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open the hood, you will see it in there.
2006-11-27 15:35:34 · answer #8 · answered by Mario Savio 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋