Generators produce DC current (what your cars electrical system is)
Alternators produce AC current which must be changed to DC before it goes out
to the cars electrical system.
Alternators are lighter smaller and produce more power (what's not to love?)
All modern cars use alternators.
The government has required that parts of a car carry standard nomenclature
(what Ford calls a widget Chevy will also call a widget) Makes sense right?
However in a wonderful spot of insanity that only your government could
supply... In SAE standard J1930 anything that makes electrical power in your
car is called a "generator". So I guess on who you talk to they are the same
thing or not. Gotta love it.
Rick Ewald
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