Smoke rolling out of alternator...?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by Litneon, Aug 17, 2016.

  1. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Has anyone ever seen this before? Got home from work today and smelled something hot (electrical).
    Popped the hood to find smoke rolling out of the windings of the alternator. They are all discolored and greyish.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. 90DailyDriven

    90DailyDriven Veteran

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    Sounds like one of the diodes in the alternator went bad.
     
  3. White Trash

    White Trash Toyotaholic

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    Brushes are probably shot so there was lots of arcing to the commutator making lots of heat.
     
  4. Litneon

    Litneon Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yeah, I'm not sure. The unit was only two and a half years old. Luckily it was under warranty.
     

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