Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s alternator has some pretty big responsibilities. Generating anywhere from 13 volts to 14.5 volts, the alternator is not only tasked with keeping the battery charged but it also powers many of your vehicle’s accessories. Mike’s Automotive warns that your alternator could be going bad if you notice any of the following signs.
ALT Light
Your dashboard is equipped with several warning lights that illuminate when something goes wrong with a specific system. In the case of the alternator, the ALT light will come on. If your dashboard doesn’t have this light, you will see either a GEN light or a battery -shaped light.
Accessory Problems
As we mentioned above, the alternator powers your vehicle’s accessories. This includes your power accessories such as the windows and seats, your entertainment system, and your GPS. If any of these things malfunction, the problem could be with the alternator.
Burning Smells
If you notice burning smells coming from your engine that smell like burning wires or rubber, it’s possible that the alternator is going bad and sending too much voltage through the electrical wiring. The burning rubber smell can be caused by a loose alternator belt.
Dead Battery
If the alternator has gone bad, it will no longer charge the battery and, consequently, your battery will eventually die. If the battery dies quickly after you have jump-started it, this indicates that the alternator is the problem and not the battery.
Dim Lights
Another accessory that the alternator powers is your vehicle sliding system. It, along with the battery, make sure that your headlights are bright, your taillights can be seen, and you have plenty of light inside your vehicle. If any of your vehicle’s lights seem dim, the problem may lie with the alternator.
Growling Noises
If the alternator’s internal mechanisms are wearing out, you may hear growling noises coming from your engine. These are the parts grinding against each other. Another indication that your alternator belt is having problems is squealing noises when you first start your car.
Hard Starts
Finally, if your vehicle is difficult to start and, as mentioned above, if a jump-start doesn’t keep the battery going, your alternator is likely going bad and needs to be replaced. You may also have your vehicle stall quickly after you get it started because the alternator isn’t powering the spark plugs correctly.
We can help here at Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for an alternator test.
