Wondering When Do Alternators Need To Be Replaced?
Many drivers don’t actually know the symptoms of a bad alternator. The first thought about starting problems is that the car battery or car starter is bad. It’s hard to understand exactly what the alternator’s job is. Because today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity, a fully-functioning alternator is key in turning the energy from the crankshaft into the electricity necessary to keep the battery charged and to provide power to the electrical systems. When the alternator fails, a domino effect of electrical problems is created.
So when do alternators need to be replaced, you wonder? Here are some of the most common indicators of a bad alternator:
- Warning light – This light in the instrument panel titled "ALT" or "GEN" is often the first sign that you will notice.
- Dim headlights – This means the alternator is can’t keep up with the demand to perform.
- Other electrical failures – Other systems may start to act up, such as the power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, and other extra accessories.
- Unable to keep the car running, or even to start the car – There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive.
- Dead battery – The alternator isn’t sending a charge to the battery so eventually it is drained of its charge.
It is often difficult to determine if your starting problems are caused by a bad battery, the car starter, or the alternator, so head to your auto shop for a diagnostic test. This will help your mechanic pinpoint the cause of your starting problem and make the appropriate repair to keep you on the road.
Have more questions about when do alternators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the starting system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
Many drivers don’t actually know the symptoms of a bad alternator. The first thought about starting problems is that the car battery or car starter is bad. It’s hard to understand exactly what the alternator’s job is. Because today’s vehicles are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity, a fully-functioning alternator is key in turning the energy from the crankshaft into the electricity necessary to keep the battery charged and to provide power to the electrical systems. When the alternator fails, a domino effect of electrical problems is created.
So when do alternators need to be replaced, you wonder? Here are some of the most common indicators of a bad alternator:
- Warning light – This light in the instrument panel titled "ALT" or "GEN" is often the first sign that you will notice.
- Dim headlights – This means the alternator is can’t keep up with the demand to perform.
- Other electrical failures – Other systems may start to act up, such as the power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, and other extra accessories.
- Unable to keep the car running, or even to start the car – There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to keep the engine alive.
- Dead battery – The alternator isn’t sending a charge to the battery so eventually it is drained of its charge.
It is often difficult to determine if your starting problems are caused by a bad battery, the car starter, or the alternator, so head to your auto shop for a diagnostic test. This will help your mechanic pinpoint the cause of your starting problem and make the appropriate repair to keep you on the road.
Have more questions about when do alternators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about the starting system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
