You may not have realized this, but the alternator provides power to the engine’s spark plugs. Consequently, if your engine keeps stalling, the alternator may be going bad. Accurate Auto Center advises that another sign that the alternator is malfunctioning is the smell of hot electricity in the engine. This is an indication that the alternator is producing more than the maximum 14.5 volts it should produce. Let’s talk more about the problems caused by a faulty alternator below.
Dashboard Warning Light
The engine stalls and hot electricity may be accompanied by a dashboard warning light. Depending on the age of your automobile, you will either see a battery light or an ALT light. If either of these lights come on, or if a GEN light comes on, drive straight to our shop so we can determine the electrical system problem. It could be the alternator or it could be your battery.
Difficult Starts/Dead Battery
The alternator can also make getting your vehicle started difficult if it cannot keep the battery charged. This is part of the alternator’s job. If your battery discharges until it dies, you won’t be able to get your vehicle started. Jump-starting the battery will only make it last so long. It will discharge until it dies again if the alternator is unable to keep it charged.
Grinding or Squealing Noises
You might also hear grinding or squealing noises coming from the engine if the alternator is having problems. The alternator itself might grind or growl if it is wearing out. The alternator uses a belt to help it generate power, and this belt might squeal or whine if it is too loose.
Malfunctioning Accessories
Aside from powering the spark plugs and keeping the battery charged, the alternator also powers your vehicle’s power accessories. This means that if the alternator is going bad, the accessories will malfunction or slow down. For example, your navigation system may shut down in the middle of giving you directions. This is just one problem that can occur.
Strange Light Problems
Finally, you may also have problems with your vehicle’s lights because, you guessed it, the alternator provides power to them, as well. The most common issue is that the lights reduce in brightness to the point that is difficult to see at night. If the alternator is producing too much power, however, the lights may be overly bright. They may also flicker.
Call Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX, today so we can test your vehicle’s alternator and replace it if necessary.