If the battery light has illuminated on the dashboard and refuses to turn off, your alternator is likely going bad. This can also be a sign that the battery is going bad, but the battery usually lasts between three and four years. If your battery is new, the warning light points to the alternator as the problem. Dad’s Automotive is going to list the other signs that you have a bad alternator below.
Difficult Starts/Dead Battery
It will start to get difficult to get your vehicle to fire up because the alternator will no longer keep the battery charged. Consequently, you will end up with a dead battery frequently. Jump-starting the battery will not necessarily solve the problem because, again, the battery needs to be charged as it discharges. Consequently, you will only end up with a dead engine again.
Frequent Misfiring and Stalling
Your engine may also start to misfire and install frequently if the alternator is going bad. This is because the alternator is the power source for the spark plugs after the starter has fired up the engine. If the plugs are not getting the power that they need, they will misfire and your engine will stall.
Malfunctioning Accessories
You are also going to start having problems with the power accessories in your vehicle. You guessed it. The alternator also provides power to the accessories. When there is a lack of power, the accessories will slow down, malfunction, and even turn off by themselves.
Overheated Electrical System
If you are driving along and you smell burning wires and rubber coming from the engine, pull over and call for a tow to our shop. The alternator could be malfunctioning and producing too much voltage, which would be anything over 14.5 volts. Consequently, it is overheating the electrical system.
Strange Growling or Grinding
You may also end up hearing strange noises coming from your engine. Sometimes, when the alternator starts to wear out, it will make grinding or growling noises.
Vehicle Light Malfunction
Finally, if your vehicle lights are malfunctioning, this, too, points to the alternator. For example, if the alternator is producing too much electricity as we discussed above, your automobile lights will be strangely bright. If the alternator is not manufacturing enough electricity, the lights will be dim and will flicker constantly.
Call Dad’s Automotive in New Era, MI, today if you believe your vehicle needs a new alternator. We would be happy to test the old one and replace it if necessary.
