Although the symptoms of a malfunctioning alternator can be subtle at first, they quickly turn into a serious problem. When is it time for alternator repair? Watch out for these five signs to keep your car safe and fully powered.
1. Engine Stalling or Refusing to Start
Even though your car may run on gasoline, it still needs electricity to put the engine into motion. When everything is working properly, the alternator provides the electrical power necessary for the spark plugs to start the engine and keep it running.
However, when the alternator requires repair, it may fail to power the spark plugs and to charge your car’s battery. This results in frequent stalling and trouble with starting the engine.
2. Dim or Flickering Headlights
If both of your car’s headlights stop working as expected, it’s almost certain that the problem lies with the alternator. Dim, flickering, or uneven headlights indicate that the alternator isn’t providing a steady flow of electrical power.
3. Electrical Issues
The headlights and the engine aren’t the only parts of your car maintained by the alternator. In fact, it provides power to all of the electrical systems, storing any excess energy in the battery. A faulty alternator will have a decreased power output, eventually failing to sustain all of your car’s electrical accessories.
For instance, the stereo may become unresponsive or the internal lights may flicker or dim. You may also notice that some of the electronic accessories inside your car (such as electric windows or side mirror controls) work slower than expected.
4. Unusual Noises From Under the Hood
A faulty alternator can emit squealing or grinding sounds, sometimes accompanied by the smell of burning rubber. Most of the time, this points to a problem with the alternator belt, also known as the serpentine belt.
Serpentine belts wear out and loosen with time, causing the alternator to malfunction. Issues with the belt can also affect other systems in your car, such as the power steering pump and air conditioning. In most modern cars, the same belt also powers the engine cooling system, so it’s vital to get it serviced as soon as possible to prevent the car from overheating.
5. Battery Frequently Dying
If nothing happens when you insert the key into your car’s ignition, you’re likely dealing with a dead battery. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the battery itself is the problem: a malfunctioning alternator can also be to blame.
When the engine is running, the alternator powers the electrical systems directly while also charging the battery. If there’s a problem with the alternator’s power output, the battery will quickly drain and fail to recharge efficiently.
Though flickering lights and a weak battery can seem like minor inconveniences, unattended issues with your car’s alternator can lead to serious and costly damages. Contact Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota today to schedule your next alternator servicing appointment – our team will make sure you never get stranded with a dead battery again.
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