Making sure your alternator is in proper working order is paramount to a dependable vehicle. The alternator's job is to make sure the battery stays charged while your engine runs. It also powers the electrical systems inside your car. But, alternators wear out over time. Is it time for a new one?
What Does the Alternator Do?
Your car's alternator is basically a power generator. In fact, alternators were previously known as generators. They practically function in an identical fashion. Inside of your car, the gas engine rotates wheels underneath your hood. These spinning wheels crank a wheel on the alternator itself. That motion generates energy within the alternator.
The use of alternators has come standard on consumer vehicles since the 1960s. Chrysler was the first to implement them. In the years afterward, Ford and General Motors also adopted the use of alternators. Today, you'll find one under the hood of just about every car available.
The AC power that the alternator produces is channeled to the car's battery. Your battery then uses this power to retain its charge. Without the alternator, your battery would quickly die trying to power your car's electrical systems. The alternator is the reason driving your car helps to charge your battery after it has sat in your driveway for a long period of time.
When your car isn't running, your battery still uses power. This especially applies to newer vehicles. Even when your car is in your garage, the alarm system and electric locks all need power to operate.
On the road, even more systems pull power from your battery. The heated seats, the air conditioner, and the radio all use battery power while on the road. The alternator ensures that the battery is getting a steady charge as you move.
This is why you're unlikely to experience a dead battery so long as your engine is running. But the battery can quickly go dead if the engine is off and battery power is still getting used. That's why you might find your vehicle is difficult to crank after sitting and listening to the radio for a while with the engine turned off. The radio is draining the battery with nothing to recharge it.
The Signs You Need a New Alternator
Want to know if your alternator is failing? Look for these signs.
- A warning light on your dashboard
- Lights that don't shine as brightly anymore
- The smell of burning rubber
- A grinding, whining, or screeching sound
One of the easiest ways to know if your alternator is failing is by glancing at your instrument cluster. With a look at the dashboard, you might notice a warning light. The alternator warning light may look like a battery. Or, it might read "GEN" or "ALT." This is the most obvious sign that your alternator is failing.
However, the light might not be a constant. It could go off and on depending on what you're using. For instance, you might only notice it when using the air conditioner. Or, when you're using multiple electrical systems at once.
There are also less obvious indicators that you may notice before the warning light kicks on. Dim lights, for instance, can signal a failing alternator too. If an instrument or gauge stops working, that could also link to a failing alternator. The smell of burning rubber could signal that a belt is frying under the hood. A screeching or whining sound could also indicate an alternator that needs replacing.
Is It Your Battery?
Some people wrongly blame their alternator when it's actually the battery having issues. You can single out the problem part easily. If you're having trouble starting your car, it could be the alternator or the battery. Test it by jump-starting your vehicle.
If the car kicks on and then immediately dies, it's likely an issue with the alternator. If the car is able to run using the jump start but cannot run on its own, it's likely an issue with the battery.
Dim lights can be a sign of a bad alternator or a bad battery. But, there are subtle ways you can single out the issue. For instance, if your headlights seem to dim while stopped and get brighter as you accelerate, that could mean your alternator is failing to adequately charge your battery.
Over time, your battery will lose its ability to retain a charge. If you're stumped and unsure what the issue is, never fear asking an expert. Having a look under the hood can also help you see the problem for yourself. For instance, your battery might show corrosion that needs cleaning. Even if it looks good as new, it could be at fault.
Try turning off all accessories and doing the jump-start test to narrow down your problem. If you find out that the alternator is the issue, try to get it replaced quickly.
Replacing Your Alternator
Replacing your alternator isn't something to put off. After all, it plays an essential role in your vehicle's operation. If you think you need a new one, find a suitable replacement and a certified specialist to install it for you.
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