What are the Symptoms of a Bad Alternator?
If your vehicle is having starting problems, ask your mechanic to check it out so you know if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator. In many cases, starting problems are related to a failing alternator. When the alternator goes bad, the electronic accessories try to draw all of their power off the battery, which can cause the battery to die as well. If you see the battery warning light on, get it checked out too If the headlights are dimming, it’s important to schedule a charging system test.
Just what is the alternator, you ask? The alternator (located on the engine), provides power to the battery and continuously charges the battery and the car’s electrical systems and computers. Along with the starter, the battery’s job is to start the car, but the alternator keeps it running.
Oftentimes, the alternator will go out with little or no warning. But there are a few symptoms of a bad alternator that you will notice:
- The headlights start pulsating at night, from dim to bright.
- An electrical burning smell coming from the alternator or the battery.
- The alternator warning light or other dashboard warning lights come on.
- Your car radio or other electrical components work intermittently.
- A squealing noise in your car’s engine.
If you are unsure if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator, check your lights and other electrical devices. If the starter is bad then you'll most likely hear a faint click when turning the key and absolutely no other response. If the lights and other accessories in your car are completely dead, then the battery is most likely the issue. If your vehicle starts, but only after a struggle, it is probably the alternator starting to go bad.
Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about starting problems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
If your vehicle is having starting problems, ask your mechanic to check it out so you know if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator. In many cases, starting problems are related to a failing alternator. When the alternator goes bad, the electronic accessories try to draw all of their power off the battery, which can cause the battery to die as well. If you see the battery warning light on, get it checked out too If the headlights are dimming, it’s important to schedule a charging system test.
Just what is the alternator, you ask? The alternator (located on the engine), provides power to the battery and continuously charges the battery and the car’s electrical systems and computers. Along with the starter, the battery’s job is to start the car, but the alternator keeps it running.
Oftentimes, the alternator will go out with little or no warning. But there are a few symptoms of a bad alternator that you will notice:
- The headlights start pulsating at night, from dim to bright.
- An electrical burning smell coming from the alternator or the battery.
- The alternator warning light or other dashboard warning lights come on.
- Your car radio or other electrical components work intermittently.
- A squealing noise in your car’s engine.
If you are unsure if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator, check your lights and other electrical devices. If the starter is bad then you'll most likely hear a faint click when turning the key and absolutely no other response. If the lights and other accessories in your car are completely dead, then the battery is most likely the issue. If your vehicle starts, but only after a struggle, it is probably the alternator starting to go bad.
Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about starting problems and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
