One of the important parts of the car is the battery - the basis of the car's electrical equipment. For a long and flawless operation of the battery, proper care and periodic maintenance are required. In the case where the car is rarely used (for example, in winter), the battery is not used properly. Therefore, to maintain it in working order, periodic recharging is necessary. A charger is used for this. Like any technique, this device can break down during operation. Then you will have to repair the car charger.
Content
- Varieties of chargers
- Disassembling and checking the device
- Malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Varieties of chargers
Today the industry offers a huge selection of such devices, differing from each other in purpose and design. By design, there are two main types:
- transformer;
- impulse.
Impulse devices contain a current converter. These devices are completely semiconductor. The circuit of such devices is assembled on transistors, thyristors, and simistors. Repair of those is not available to every motorist. This requires a certain level of knowledge in the field of electronics. Such devices have certain advantages: small dimensions and relatively low weight.
Compared to them, transformer devices more cumbersome and heavier due to the transformer underlying it. The circuit of this device is simple. The secondary voltage of the transformer is rectified by means of a diode bridge. The current supplied to the battery is regulated by changing the voltage value at the output of the transformer. Such a change can be achieved by switching both the primary and secondary windings of the transformer or by using an adjustable variable resistance. The charging current is controlled by an ammeter included in the charger circuit.
By purpose, two types can be distinguished:
- devices without the ability to start the engine;
- starting-charger.
The peculiarity of the second is the presence of powerful electronic parts that can withstand the high current consumed by the starter when starting the motor. In other words, such a ROM can not only charge the battery, but also start the car engine instead of a discharged battery.
Disassembling and checking the device
As with any technique, the charger may malfunction. Suddenly it was discovered that it had ceased to fulfill its functions of charging. There can be many reasons that led to the malfunction. For example: improper operation, careless storage, aging of parts and wires. Given the complexity of the device, it is only superficially available to repair it without appropriate qualifications. The check is done in the direction from the power source to the battery.
Inspection and repairs are carried out only on equipment disconnected from the network.. Using a screwdriver and keys, it is necessary to disassemble the case and inspect the parts of the charger. It is likely that there will be clear signs of burnout of wires, diodes, a step-down transformer. Burnout of the windings of the latter is accompanied, as a rule, by the release of a pungent smell of burning and soot. Perhaps, upon inspection, a wiring or wire breakage will be found. If nothing was found visually, you need to proceed to a more detailed check.
Malfunctions and methods of their elimination
After making sure that the voltage in the socket for connection is present, it is necessary to check the integrity of the plug and supply wires. This can be done using the simplest tester. The next step is to check the transformer windings (both primary and secondary) and the fuse used in the circuit for protection. If the transformer is in good working order, connect it to the network and measure the voltage at the output of the transformer. It should be 14-14.5 volts. If the voltage is less or the device detects drops, the device is faulty.
The next step is to check the transformer winding switch and diode bridge. The latter consists of 4 diodes assembled in a certain way. In order to check the serviceability of each of them, you will have to disassemble the bridge circuit. A diode is a semiconductor that only passes current in one direction. It is checked with a multimeter, changing the polarity. Possible diode malfunctions:
- breakdown (when dialing, it passes current in both directions);
- break (does not ring in any direction).
If there are faulty diodes, they must be replaced with new ones. The final step is to check the battery conductors and clamps. All defective parts are changed, wire breaks are restored by soldering or twisting. After completing all the repair work, you need to assemble the charger cover and make a final test. multimeter, the DC voltage on the wires connected to the battery must be 14-14.4 volts. If the charger is working properly and the battery is not charging (the ammeter shows 0 amperes), then the reason is in the battery. It should be checked in detail and replaced if necessary.
