In principle, any AC electrical generator can be called an alternator, but usually, the term refers to small rotating machines driven by automotive and other internal combustion engines. An alternator that uses a permanent magnet for its magnetic field is called a magneto.
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Learn how your car's alternator powers electrical components and charges the battery. Discover how it works, signs of a bad alternator, and when to get service.
Alternators: How They Work, Why They Fail, and How To Test Them
The alternator's rotor is comprised of a series of magnets that rotates quickly and produces an alternating current (AC), which is converted into direct current (DC) using the rectifier or diode.
The charging system warning light doesn't point directly to a failed alternator, although alternator problems are very common. Your mechanic will need to do further testing to pinpoint the defective part.
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