If you’ve found yourself here, then chances are you have an idea that your alternator may be failing. Our team here at Certified Autoplex is going to explore the top five signs of a failing alternator to give you a better idea of what the issue you’re dealing with may be. Once you’ve determined the issue, it will be easier to move forward.
Although the alternator is not a complex component of the vehicle, it plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s overall performance. Without the alternator, there would be no electrical power throughout the vehicle to turn on the headlights or power the radio. When the vehicle is running, the alternator charges the battery and supplies power to the rest of the car’s electrical systems.
How To Know When Your Alternator Failed
- Warning Lights: Many vehicles built in the last ten years have dashboard warning lights that indicate alternator problems. The light may turn on if the alternator produces too much or too little electrical power. Pay attention to this warning, especially when using multiple electrical features in your vehicle.
- Dimming Headlights: The alternator supplies electrical power to several vehicle features, including the headlights. If your alternator is failing, you may notice flickering or dimming headlights. Watch for sudden changes in brightness, as they may indicate a problem with the charging system.
- Dead Battery: A failing alternator may cause your battery to lose its charge. This happens because the alternator keeps the battery charged while the engine runs. However, a dead battery does not always mean the alternator is faulty. A weak battery or another charging system issue may also be the cause. Have a mechanic test both the battery and alternator to identify the problem.
There are a few other ways to determine the life of your alternator aside from the ones mentioned above. Most mechanics will be able to figure out the issue either by sight, sound, or smell. Let us explain. If a driver complains of common alternator issues, the mechanic will pop the hood and check the belts and connections, which could result in a diagnosis right away. There is also a common “growling” sound that often accompanies a failing alternator, along with the scent of burning rubber.
More information regarding mechanical issues for your vehicle is available by contacting our team here at Certified Autoplex. We’re constantly updating our blog with helpful tips and tricks, answering FAQs, and providing useful how-tos, so be sure to stay tuned!