The alternator keeps your car battery charged, allowing you to start your vehicle and enjoy electronic features such as the radio and headlights. When you have a faulty alternator, you might experience a series of electrical problems that can lead to other car problems. Watch out for the warning signs of a bad alternator so you can get an alternator repair as soon as possible.
1. Starting Problems or Frequent Stalling
Do you frequently have trouble starting your car? You might have a faulty alternator that isn’t properly charging the car battery. When you turn the key in the ignition, instead of hearing your engine growl, you might only hear a clicking sound.
Is it common for your car to stall while driving? A faulty alternator might not be providing enough current to the spark plugs to keep the car running.
2. Warning Light Illuminates
The battery warning light on the dashboard is frequently misinterpreted as indicating an issue with the battery. However, the battery warning light can also tell you that something is wrong with your car’s overall electrical system, including the alternator.
If your alternator fails, the voltage will drop below capacity, causing the battery warning light on your dashboard to illuminate.
3. Headlights Are Either Too Faint or Too Bright
The electrical energy to your car components becomes unstable when the alternator starts to break down. Equipment that is either underperforming or overperforming, such as headlights that are either too dim or too bright, are examples.
Flickering lights or headlamps that go from bright to dim and back are also affected by a faulty alternator.
4. Poorly Charged Car Battery
While you’re driving, a faulty alternator will not be able to fully charge the battery. Is it common for your car to die soon after you start it? You might need to have your alternator replaced if it is not giving enough charge to the battery.
5. Burning Smell
When your alternator fails, you might smell a burning scent closely related to that of an electrical fire. An overloaded alternator attempts to pump excessive current down its wires, overheating them and making them dangerously hot.
Damaged wires also cause resistance to electricity flow, which causes them to heat up and emit an unpleasant odor.
6. Electronic Features Malfunction
When the alternator fails, other systems that are connected to it may also start to malfunction. These include things like power windows, locks, lights, air conditioning, and even your radio.
Other factors might be at play, but it’s worth getting your alternator checked by a reliable auto mechanic.
7. Growling Sounds
Some sections of the engine’s bearings can fail due to alternator failure, resulting in strange, growling noises. The alternator could be the root cause of the problem, especially if other signs and symptoms are present.
Do you have issues with your vehicle’s electrical system? Now is the time to examine the alternator. For high-quality Buick GMC vehicle service, come to Randy Wise Buick GMC in Fenton, MI. Our experts can ensure that your battery and electrical system are in good working order, allowing you to drive safely at all times so Schedule your Service Appointment today!
Image via gmc.com.
Connect with us
