Bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to Goose Euro if it is having any of the problems listed below. These problems are signs that the alternator is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. You can expect to get 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles out of the factory alternator. As your vehicle ages, the alternator will go bad and it will be time for a new one.
Burning Electricity Odors
In some cases, when the alternator starts to fail, it will actually produce more power than your vehicle’s electrical system can handle. The maximum power that it should produce is 14.5 volts. When it produces more than this, you will smell burning electrical odors, such as rubber and wires, in the engine.
Dashboard Warning Light
Naturally, a problem like this will cause your automobile’s main computer chip to turn on a dashboard warning light. In the case of the alternator, it will either be an ALT, battery-shaped, or GEN light. These lights are the lights that are designed to warn you that you have an alternator or battery problem.
Difficult Starts/Dead Battery
Speaking of the battery, it may become difficult to get your vehicle started if the battery is losing its charge without being recharged by the alternator. This is part of what the alternator does; it makes sure that the battery is always charged so your vehicle will start when you turn the ignition key.
Growling Noises
A dying alternator can start making noises in the engine if it is wearing down internally. The noises that you will hear will be growling sounds or grinding noises. If you hear the sounds, head straight to our shop so we can find out what is wrong. We will replace the alternator if it’s the problem.
Malfunctioning Accessories
Aside from providing the battery with a constant charge, the alternator is also the electrical system part that provides power to your automobile’s accessories. This includes the power accessories such as your seats and windows. If these accessories start to malfunction, it could be that the alternator is bad.
Malfunctioning Lights
Your vehicle’s lights will also start to malfunction. They may start to flicker, be too bright, or be too dim. If you suspect that your vehicle is having an electrical problem such as a malfunctioning alternator, take a good look at your lights to see how they are behaving.
Misfiring and Stalling Engine
Finally, if your engine has started to misfire and stall, the alternator may no longer be providing the spark plugs with the energy they need to produce sparks. As an aside, this is also a sign that it is time to replace the spark plugs because they are old and worn.
Call Goose Euro in San Antonio, TX, today to schedule an alternator test for your vehicle.
