There are a handful of things that will happen when your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s alternator dies. Clark’s Car Care is going to list the signs of a dying alternator below. Because the alternator is responsible for charging the battery, it’s important that you get the faulty alternator replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dead battery that cannot hold a charge.
Battery/ALT Light
Your vehicle either has an ALT light or a battery-shaped light on the dashboard. When the alternator starts to malfunction, this light will turn on. The only other time this light turns on is when you first start your automobile. It should turn off right away. If it doesn’t, your alternator may be dying.
Burning Wire Smells
A dying alternator will try to push too much voltage through its wires. Consequently, it will overload the wires and you detect an odor that smells like an electrical fire. If what you smell is burning rubber, it’s possible that the alternator belt is overheating because it is too loose.
Dead Battery/Hard Starts
As we mentioned above, the alternator keeps the battery charged. Consequently, if the alternator is dying, it will progressively get harder and harder to start your automobile until such time as you end up with a dead battery.
Dim/Overly Bright Lights
Dim, overly bright, or flickering lights can also indicate a problem with the alternator. This doesn’t just happen with your headlights. It also happens with your interior lights and the taillights. It’s easy to notice this problem at night when you rely on the lights for your navigation.
Frequent Stalling
Aside from charging the battery, another thing the alternator does is power the spark plugs. If the alternator is dying, it may not send enough power to the spark plugs and, as a consequence, they will misfire. This will cause your vehicle’s engine to stall frequently.
Grinding/Whining Noises
The alternator may also give you a warning that it is going bad by making grinding or whining sounds. The grinding sounds indicate that the alternator is wearing out from the inside, and the various parts inside the unit or grinding against each other. The whining noises will come from the alternator belt.
Slow Accessories
Finally, the alternator also helps to power your vehicle’s accessories. This includes things such as your power seats in your GPS. If these accessories slow down or malfunction, it’s possible that they aren’t getting enough power from the dying alternator.
Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, would be happy to test your alternator to see if it is dying. If it is, we will replace it. Call us today for an appointment.