Age causes the alternator to go bad in your car, truck, or utility vehicle. The average lifespan of an alternator is 100,000 miles or 10 years. Unfortunately, when the alternator goes bad, it cannot be repaired. The old alternator needs to be replaced with a new one that will give you another 100,000 miles. Here are signs that your alternator is going bad.
Battery Problems
It is only natural to have battery problems if the alternator is bad because the alternator keeps the battery charged. Consequently, if your battery discharges until it dies frequently, this is a sign that the alternator is no longer supplying it with the electricity it needs to remain charged. Replacing the alternator will resolve this problem and restore your battery’s charge.
Dim Headlights
Replacing the alternator will also restore the brightness of your headlights if they are too dim. In addition to the headlights being affected by a faulty alternator, the interior lights and taillights will also be affected. Along with the battery, the alternator provides power to your vehicle’s lights so they work every time you need them. A faulty alternator reduces the supplied power.
Faulty Accessories
Your accessories may also start to malfunction if the alternator is malfunctioning. For example, your touchscreen may not light up when you start your automobile. You may not be able to get the radio to remain on. The power seats and windows will slow down. Your navigation system may even stop working. All of these components use powers supplied by the alternator.
Growling/Whining
One reason why the alternator needs to be replaced when it malfunctions is that it wears down on the inside. Consequently, the internal mechanisms may start to grind against each other. This will leave you with a growling sound coming from the engine that continues while the engine is running. If there is an issue with the serpentine belt to which the alternator is attached, the engine may whine.
Hot Electricity
Finally, hot electricity in your automobile can create a dangerous situation in that it may start an electrical fire. The alternator can malfunction and produce more electricity than the electrical system can handle. Consequently, the electrical system will overheat.
Call us today if you are having any of the problems discussed in this blog post. We would be happy to inspect the alternator and the battery to find out where the power loss is coming from. If it is the alternator, we will replace it. We can also replace the battery.