Car problems come in all shapes and sizes. One you may not always consider a possibility is a failing alternator. Often, a failing or faulty alternator gets passed off as a dead battery or worn spark plugs. While these may also be problems, you want to ensure your car’s mechanic gets to the root of the problem with your auto repair service. For auto repair services you can trust, visit your local AAMCO Minnesota’s mechanics and we’ll get your car’s systems operating smoothly again.
Dim Headlights, Dashboard Lights, or Interior Lights
Do your headlights seem dimmer than usual? Or maybe your interior dome light barely comes on? You may even notice your dashboard lights look faint. All of these symptoms can indicate a problem with your car’s alternator. The alternator is responsible for sending power to the car battery while you drive, as well as sending power to electrical components.
Brighter Lights at Higher RPMs Can Signal Alternator Problems
One key way to determine whether you’re more likely to deal with a battery problem or a failing alternator is to watch your headlights while you drive. Take a drive at night – do your headlights get brighter at higher RPMs? While your first thought may be your car battery, this is actually a clear indication that your alternator is the underlying cause.
Frequent Dead Car Battery
Dealing with a dead car battery is not uncommon. When it comes to commonly known car care and handy skills, being able to jumpstart your vehicle is at the top of the list. However, if you frequently find you’re dealing with a dead car battery, there are two main possibilities: you need a new car battery or you need a new alternator.
When the Alternator’s Failing, it Can’t Charge Your Car Battery While You Drive
Your car’s alternator is responsible for charging your car battery while you drive, as well as sending power out to electrical components. If your car battery can’t charge properly while you drive, you’re more likely to find a dead car battery, especially if it’s left to sit for a while. If your car battery is relatively new, your mechanic may test your car battery but it’s more likely you need a new alternator.
Trouble with Electrical Components
Do your car doors sometimes not unlock on the first try? Or maybe the windows take longer to roll up or down? It could even be a glitchy car radio or speedometer. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on a number of electronic components and they may start acting up if your alternator is wearing out.
The Alternator Sends Power to Your Car’s Electrical Components
Because your car’s alternator also sends power out to electrical components while the engine’s running, this is another place where you may notice signs of alternator trouble. Your car’s computer is able to prioritize where power is sent, so you’re likely to notice problems with less important parts, such as the radio, before the headlights.
Growling or Whining Sounds
New, strange sounds under the hood of your car are never welcome. While growling or whining could point to a number of problems, it’s most likely related to a worn or misaligned belt. It’s important to pay attention to this and other symptoms to help point your mechanic in the right direction for diagnostics and repairs.
A Belt that Helps the Alternator Function May be Misaligned or Worn
Your car’s alternator runs with a belt and pulley system and if that belt becomes misaligned, loose, or worn, it can cause strange sounds as well as problems with electrical components. Diagnosing a repair based on sounds alone is typically not possible, so any other symptoms you notice will help point your mechanic in the right direction.
Difficulty Starting Your Car or Frequent Stalling
If your car won’t start, your first thought is probably the battery. However, pay attention to what happens when you try the ignition – if you hear a clicking sound, it can actually point to the alternator. On the other hand, if your car is stalling frequently while driving, it may come down to your spark plugs, which also receive power from the alternator.
When the Battery and Spark Plugs Don’t Get Adequate Power, You Won’t Get Far
Without adequate power, your car’s battery and spark plugs cannot properly serve their purpose. This means your car’s difficult starts or frequent stalling may not be due to the battery or spark plugs themselves. Rather, you may need an alternator repair to get all of those parts working properly again.
Trust Your Car’s Alternator Repair to AAMCO Minnesota’s Mechanics
Modern cars’ electrical systems are increasingly complex. When you’re experiencing problems with your car’s electrical components, get an expert mechanic on the case by visiting your local AAMCO Minnesota auto repair shop. Give us a call today or easily schedule an appointment online for us to inspect your vehicle.