The alternator produces electricity for your car, truck, or utility vehicle. The range of electricity production is 13 volts to 14.5 volts. The alternator lasts approximately 100,000 miles. If you drive an older automobile, there will come a time sooner rather than later that you need to replace the alternator. Here are signs that your alternator is going bad.
Burning Odors
One thing that can happen with the faulty alternator is it can generate too much electricity. Anything over 14.5 volts can overload your automobile’s electrical system. Consequently, you may smell burning electricity odors coming from the engine. You may also blow out some fuses.
Dead Battery
A faulty alternator can also produce too little electricity. For example, if it is not producing enough electricity to keep the battery charged, your battery will die. If the battery is relatively new and you have to jump-start it, it’s more likely that the problem is the alternator than the battery.
Dim Headlights
Although dim headlights can point to a dying battery, they also point to a dying alternator. This is also the case if the interior lights and taillights are dimmer than they normally are. Unfortunately, your lights will not be at their normal brightness until you replace the alternator.
Engine Noises
The alternator can start to make noises in your vehicle’s engine if it is wearing out. Sometimes, the engine will growl. Other times, the engine will squeal. Bring your vehicle to our shop so we can pinpoint from where the sound is coming. If it’s the alternator, we will replace it.
Frequent Stalling
You will be amazed by how many things the alternator powers. It also produces power for the spark plugs. Consequently, your engine may stall frequently and struggle to run if the alternator is unable to keep the plugs powered. This can also be caused by worn spark plugs.
Slow Accessories
Another thing that will happen if the alternator is going bad is your accessories will slow down. For example, you may notice that it takes a long time for your power window to open or close. It may also take a long time for the seat to adjust. Other accessories, such as the radio, may malfunction.
Finally, your automobile is equipped with a computer chip that turns on the dashboard warning lights when there is a problem. This chip is called the engine control unit. If the alternator is going bad, the unit will turn on the battery light on your dashboard.
