What are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator?
Some drivers think that car starters are the reason for starting problems, or possibly dying car batteries. The fact is, alternators are often the culprit. The alternator is an important component that turns the energy from the crankshaft into electricity to power the electrical systems and recharges the battery.
Today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity. This makes having a properly functioning alternator crucial for the well-being of your vehicle. When the alternator fails, many other things stop working--headlights, navigation system, power windows, radio, etc.
Do you need to know what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? These are the most obvious signs to watch out for:
- You will see a warning light on the instrument panel – “ALT” or “GEN”.
- The headlights keep dimming.
- Electrical accessories will stop working – power windows, locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.
- You will hear the bearing in the engine start going bad.
- Your car may either be hard to start, or it won’t start at all (the spark plugs are not receiving enough power).
- The battery dies because it is not being recharged.
If your vehicle is giving you problems with starting issues, ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to determine if the car starter, the battery, or the alternator is the culprit. The correct part can then be replaced and you will be confident your vehicle will get you from point A to point B safely.
Have questions about what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about car starters, alternators, and batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.
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Some drivers think that car starters are the reason for starting problems, or possibly dying car batteries. The fact is, alternators are often the culprit. The alternator is an important component that turns the energy from the crankshaft into electricity to power the electrical systems and recharges the battery.
Today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity. This makes having a properly functioning alternator crucial for the well-being of your vehicle. When the alternator fails, many other things stop working--headlights, navigation system, power windows, radio, etc.
Do you need to know what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? These are the most obvious signs to watch out for:
- You will see a warning light on the instrument panel – “ALT” or “GEN”.
- The headlights keep dimming.
- Electrical accessories will stop working – power windows, locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.
- You will hear the bearing in the engine start going bad.
- Your car may either be hard to start, or it won’t start at all (the spark plugs are not receiving enough power).
- The battery dies because it is not being recharged.
If your vehicle is giving you problems with starting issues, ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to determine if the car starter, the battery, or the alternator is the culprit. The correct part can then be replaced and you will be confident your vehicle will get you from point A to point B safely.
Have questions about what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Carlax Quality Automotive for more information about car starters, alternators, and batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palmdale, CA, and the surrounding areas.
About the Author
