Let’s talk about the signs that your car, truck, or utility vehicle needs a new alternator so you know what to look for in your automobile. If the alternator dies, your engine may not run. Unfortunately, the alternator does not last forever. On average, an alternator needs to be replaced every 10 years.
A Battery That Dies Frequently
If your battery is dying frequently, this is a sign that the alternator is going bad. The alternator provides a constant charge to the battery so it never discharges completely. If your battery is discharging, and it is younger than three years old, the problem is most likely the alternator.
An Annoying Warning Light
You may be annoyed by a battery light that is shining all the time on your vehicle’s dashboard. If this is the case, the main computer chip is telling you that the alternator is going bad. As an aside, the check will also turn on the battery light if there is an electrical system problem or a battery problem.
An Engine That Stalls Frequently
Another thing that can happen frequently with a dying alternator is a stalling engine. Unfortunately, this is a sign that the spark plugs are not receiving electrical power from the alternator. They need this power to produce sparks to ignite the air and fuel in each cylinder.
An Overheating Electrical System
In some cases, the alternator will start to produce too much electricity if it is going bad. Consequently, this can overheat the electrical system and send surges through the system. These surges can blow fuses in the fuse box. You may smell burning wires or rubber if the electrical system is too hot.
Annoying Accessory Problems
Are your vehicle’s power accessories acting up? If they are, they may not be getting enough power from the alternator. For example, if the alternator is not producing enough power, the seats and windows will slow down when you use them. The navigation and entertainment systems can also be affected.
Annoying Light Problems
It can be extremely annoying if the lights on your vehicle are too dim. It can also be extremely annoying if they flicker constantly. Both of these things are signs that the alternator cannot produce the power that the lights need. The lights may also get extremely bright if the alternator is producing too much power.
Finally, your engine may produce strange noises such as grinding or growling if the alternator is going bad. Do not worry. We can help. Call us today for a service appointment.