When your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s headlights are dim, it can be nearly impossible to see at night. University Auto Repair advises that you may be having problems with your headlights because the battery is dying or the alternator is dying. In this blog post, we are going to talk about the alternator, which can go bad anywhere from seven to 10 years. Aside from headlight problems, here are other signs that your alternator is no longer producing the electricity it needs to produce.
Accessory Malfunction
If your vehicle’s accessories have started to malfunction, it’s likely that they are not getting enough power from the alternator. The alternator needs to generate anywhere from 13 volts to 14.5 volts for everything to work as it should. Examples of accessory malfunction include the power components turning off by themselves or slow power seats and windows.
Burning Wire Smells
If the alternator malfunctions and generates more than 14.5 volts, it will overheat your electrical system. This will cause burning wire odors and burning rubber odors to come from the engine. It’s important to have the alternator checked right away to avoid an electrical fire.
Dashboard Warning Light
You may also end up with a warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard if the alternator is going bad. Generally, this light is the battery light. If you drive an older automobile, however, you may see an ALT or GEN light illuminated on the dashboard.
Frequent Engine Stalls
Aside from providing power to the lights and accessories, the alternator also provides power to the spark plugs. This enables the plugs to generate sparks in the cylinders for engine combustion. If your engine has suddenly started to stall frequently, it’s probable that the spark plugs are misfiring because they are not receiving enough power from the alternator.
Growling Engine Noises
The alternator can also make growling noises in your automobile’s engine if it is going bad. In some cases, it may sound like grinding instead of growling.
Hard Starts/Dead Battery
Finally, if you are having difficulty getting your vehicle started and/or your battery keeps dying, the alternator is unable to charge the battery as it should be doing. Even if you jump-start your battery, it will die eventually because it is not receiving a charge from the alternator.
University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, is here to help, so call us today if your vehicle is having any of the problems discussed above.
