Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s alternator is located in front of the engine. It is attached to the serpentine belt so it can use the belt for the power it needs to generate electricity. The alternator lasts approximately 100,000 miles. If your alternator is going bad, you will have one or more of the following problems. Do not worry. We can replace the alternator with a new one.
A Constant Dead Battery
If your battery is dying constantly and it is younger than three years old, the problem is the alternator. The alternator sends any extra electricity that it produces to the battery to keep it charged. A battery that dies constantly is a sign that the alternator is not producing extra electricity.
Burning Rubber or Wire Odors
If you can smell burning rubber or wires in your car or the engine, the alternator could be overheating the electrical system. This happens when the alternator produces voltage in excess of 14.5 volts. Unfortunately, this can start an electrical fire, so bring your vehicle to our shop right away.
Dim, Flickering, or Bright Lights
Another sign that the alternator is producing more than 14.5 volts is bright lights. If the alternator is producing an unsteady stream of electricity, your vehicle lights will flicker. If the alternator is failing to produce enough electricity, the lights will be noticeably dim.
Growling or Grinding Noises
After 10 years, the alternator can start to wear out on the inside. When this happens, you will hear growling or grinding noises in the front of the engine. As an aside, the alternator can also malfunction if the serpentine belt is not spitting correctly. In this case, you will hear squealing.
Misfiring, Rough Idling, and Stalling
The alternator produces electricity for the spark plugs. The plugs need the electricity in order to produce sparks. These sparks are used in the cylinders to ignite the air and fuel. Misfiring spark plugs are assigned they don’t have enough electricity. This will make your car misfire, the idle rough, and the engine stall.
Power Accessory Problems
Finally, the alternator also produces electricity for the power accessories. This includes the lights, as discussed above, the center touchscreen, the USB charging ports, the power seats and windows, and the entertainment system among other things. If any of these accessories are malfunctioning or have slowed down, the alternator is most likely going bad.
We are here to help, so schedule a service appointment with us today. We can install a new alternator if your vehicle needs one.