You rely on your headlights at night to illuminate what is ahead of you. If you can barely see because your headlights are dim, this is a sign that your car’s alternator is going bad. The alternator generates a voltage that runs through your vehicle’s electrical system empowers the battery. The average lifespan of an alternator is between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. J&S Auto Repair warns that if your car is a high-mileage vehicle, you may notice the following signs of a dying alternator.
Burning Electrical Wires
If you smell hot electricity, it’s possible that the alternator is overloading the system. When the alternator starts to die, it can work too hard to generate voltage, and, as a consequence, you end up with hot electrical wires underneath the hood.
Dim/Overly Bright Lights
As we mentioned above, dim lights are an indication that the alternator is dying. You may also end up with overly bright lights because the alternator is trying to generate too much voltage or flickering lights. This will affect your interior lights, as well.
Frequent Engine Stalls
If your engine is stalling frequently yet it seems to be running fine other than that, it’s possible that the alternator is not powering the spark plugs. If the spark plugs are not firing when they need to, your engine will misfire and stall.
Growling Engine Sounds
If you hear growling sounds coming from the engine, this could be a sign that the alternator’s internal mechanisms have worn out and are grinding against each other. As an aside, if your alternator belt is too loose, you may hear whining sounds.
Hard Starts/Dead Battery
Difficulty starting your automobile can point to the alternator if the battery does not have enough power. If you have a dead battery that does not hold a charge after you jump-started, this points to the alternator malfunctioning.
Malfunctioning Accessories
Speaking of malfunctions, the alternator powers many of your vehicle’s accessories. This includes your power seats and windows, the entertainment system, and your navigation system. If any of these things are malfunctioning, it could be the alternator.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Finally, aside from the symptoms listed above, you may also receive a warning that the alternator is dying on your dashboard. This will come in the form of an illuminated ALT light, a battery-shaped light, or a GEN light.
Call J&S Auto Repair in Warwick, RI, today if you are experiencing any of the troubles listed above. We can test your vehicle’s alternator and replace it if necessary.
