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It had better not Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Thu, 8 Feb 2007 13:43:33
In Reply to: HO Alternator, 91 900tc, tibbidoh  [Profile/Gallery]
, Thu, 8 Feb 2007 09:42:56
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A higher output alternator is one that can provide more current (amps). The purpose of the alternator is to supply all of the current the car needs when the engine is running, and recharge the battery. If there is a large, temporary current draw, the battery can provide it.
An alternator should output between about 13 to 14 volts, depending on temperature, engine speed, and electrical load. Any lower, and the battery is providing power. Any higher, and the electricals start to burn out. All a HO alternator does is maintain voltage better with large current loads.
Electric motor speed is a function of voltage, not current. And electric windows don't take that much current, so they really aren't a big load on the alternator or battery.
The two most reasonable reasons for slow windows are sticky mechanisms and dirty switch contacts. Lubing the window mechanism can't hurt. But a big one is a dirty switch contact. Electric motor loads are nasty, and each time the switch is actuated, it makes a little spark. That builds up a little bit of carbon on the contacts, which acts as a resistance. That resistance, with the motor current, reduces the amount of voltage available for the window motor, and it moves slower.
If you're brave and handy, you can remove the window switches, open them up, and clean the contacts. THere are springs and bits inside, so be careful, work over a tray, and keep your mechanical sense about you. Clean the contacts with a little fine sandpaper or an emery board/cloth. Don't polish them, just knock off most of the black gunk. Replacing the switches is a more expensive but effective method, also.
posted by 192.249....
, Thu, 8 Feb 2007 09:42:56, Thu, 8 Feb 2007 13:43:33 <-- Viewing This Message, Thu, 8 Feb 2007 19:09:03
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