Your car’s alternator is a crucial piece of the entire engine system. If your alternator isn’t working properly or is starting to go bad, that can leave you stranded. Viking Automotive has these tips to help you to spot a problem if alternator failing is your problem.
Some Components Aren’t Functioning
One of the first signs you might have that something is wrong with the electrical system somewhere is that your components stop functioning properly. Some auxiliary components, like your standalone GPS system, might not work at all. Others, like your car’s lights, might work only a little. In the case of your lights, they might be dimmer than usual, even on bright.
Your Car’s Battery Is Dead
Your alternator and your battery are a team. When one isn’t working well, the other can have problems, too. What happens is that your battery gives your car the juice it needs in order to get started, and then as the engine runs it turns the alternator. This then generates power that the alternator sends back to the battery to keep it charged. If your battery is totally dead, then it’s likely that the alternator is failing and hasn’t been sending power to it to keep it charged.
There’s a Dashboard Warning Light
You might see a variety of different dashboard lights if you have an alternator issue. Some cars might light up the battery warning light, because the problem involves the electrical system, including the battery. Others might light up the check engine light, because the alternator is a part of the engine as a whole. Regardless, if you’re noticing some strange symptoms and you have a dash warning light, it’s time for help.
You’re Smelling Something Funny
Failing parts under your hood often give off a smell, especially if things like belts and pulleys are wearing out. What you might smell could be a burned smell, as if wiring were getting hot and about to catch fire. You could also hear some sounds along with the smells, like whirring or squealing sounds. Those sounds might increase if you put a load on the alternator, like turning the heat all the way up.
Think there’s a problem with your alternator? Don’t keep guessing. Contact us today at Viking Automotive in Houston, TX. We can do a thorough diagnostic test and determine what has been affected and get your repairs started quickly.
