| Bulbs keep blowing Question : THE bulbs on my
1992 Mazda
323 blow very frequently. On
average, I have to replace them
at the rate of three per month.
This is obviously an intolerable situation, but no mechanic
has been able to provide me
with a solution. I would be
grateful if you could advise.
Answer :
IF the bulbs on your vehicle start
blowing frequently for no apparent reason, all is not well with the
electrical system of your vehicle.
The main reason for this, I suspect, is over-voltage, a situation in
which the alternator is churning
out an excess of volts. This is a
potentially dangerous situation
since it may result in a vehicle fire
or an exploding battery.
Modern alternators use electronic components to rectify -
convert from alternating current
(AC) to direct current (DC) - and
regulate the output voltage of the
current they generate.
Components that change AC to
DC are known as rectifiers or
diodes while those that limit the
amount of voltage generated are
,known as regulators. All are transistor-based and are solid-state
electronic components.
You will undoubtedly require
the services of an auto electrician
to diagnose and rectify the cause
of your problem.
Most alternators can be
repaired at a modest cost and a
mended alternator can many
more years of service. Alternator
repair is not for the faint-hearted
or the DIY man since it requires
specialist knowledge and special
tools and equipment to affect a
successful repair.
Having said that, replacement
components for alternator repairs
can be purchased at a relatively
modest cost. |
