There are several reasons why your vehicle fails to start up right away. While it’s often a dead or weak battery, it may also be a faulty alternator. Depending on its condition, you can opt for alternator repair, or you might need a replacement. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a new one.

What Are the Warning Signs of Bad Alternator?

As part of a vehicle’s electrical system, the alternator generates power for other components and keeps the battery charged while running. If you have a bad alternator, your automobile will start up and run, but only while your battery has a charge. To avoid any inconveniences, pay attention to the telltale signs of a faulty alternator.

• Dim Lights: Since the alternator provides power to all the lights in your car, a failing one will barely keep them lit. Pay attention to dim headlights and cabin lights. If they appear brighter when you rev up the car, your alternator has a problem.

• Malfunctioning Electrical Components: Look out for slow responding electronic components like power windows or seats and problems with the radio or stereo system. 

• Strange Sounds: Grinding or whining sounds could indicate worn-out bearings, and squealing noises might mean a stretched out serpentine belt. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix them with alternator repairs.

• Burning Smell: If you smell something akin to an electrical fire, there’s too much friction among the belts that resulted in excess heat and burning. An alternator repair technician will only tighten the belt to get it back on track.  

• Stalled Engine: When your battery doesn’t have enough electrical charge, it’s unable to power up the engine.

• Dead or Weak Battery: A faulty alternator will fully drain the battery of its capacity, leaving you stranded. To isolate the issue, charge the battery and turn on your engine; if it starts up, the problem is with the alternator.

Why an Alternator Fails

Most alternators malfunction because of bearing failure. Wear and tear causes the needle bearings to fail. When this happens, look out for grinding noises. Sometimes, faulty stator windings or the rotating plates that produce power are causing the issue. When more than one fails, there’s not enough voltage to run the electrical charging system. An alternator repair specialist will check the serpentine belt. If it looks loose or damaged, it can be replaced without removing the entire alternator.

When you need alternator repair or replacement, visit Priam’s Automotive Service & Repair in Honolulu, HI. Since 1991, their ASE-certified mechanics have provided a range of exceptional auto maintenance and repairs, such as oil changes, brake services, and tune-ups, to drivers throughout Oahu. Call (808) 537-1919 for a no-obligation consultation or book a service appointment online.