If your vehicle is starting to show signs of starting problems, it is probably time for some form of auto electrical repair. The problem may be associated with the starter, alternator, or battery. Ignoring the problem can lead to a car that refuses to start at all. Testing the various components of the auto electrical system can determine the cause of your starting problems.
When you start to experience starting problems, the alternator may be the last thing to come to mind. But because the alternator is a key component in your vehicle’s electrical system, when it starts to fail, it has an impact on other components of your vehicle, which can result in an urgent auto electrical repair.
Before undertaking any auto electrical repair, the first things you should rule out are the battery and starter, narrowing it down to a failing alternator. By understanding the signs of a bad alternator, you can have it replaced before it fails completely.
So what are the signs of a bad alternator?
- The dash warning light ("ALT" or "GEN") will come on. This is often the first indication of a failing alternator.
- The lights are dimmer than usual.
- Other electrical systems, such as power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc., will start to act up.
- Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles.
- There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to start the engine, or to keep the engine alive, causing it to stall while running.
- The battery will drain because it is not receiving a charge from the alternator.
Remember: If you are having starting problems, be sure to have the alternator checked out to make sure it is sending a charge to the battery, especially before replacing the battery or starter.
Wondering what are the signs of a bad alternator? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about auto electrical repair 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 starting to show signs of starting problems, it is probably time for some form of auto electrical repair. The problem may be associated with the starter, alternator, or battery. Ignoring the problem can lead to a car that refuses to start at all. Testing the various components of the auto electrical system can determine the cause of your starting problems.
When you start to experience starting problems, the alternator may be the last thing to come to mind. But because the alternator is a key component in your vehicle’s electrical system, when it starts to fail, it has an impact on other components of your vehicle, which can result in an urgent auto electrical repair.
Before undertaking any auto electrical repair, the first things you should rule out are the battery and starter, narrowing it down to a failing alternator. By understanding the signs of a bad alternator, you can have it replaced before it fails completely.
So what are the signs of a bad alternator?
- The dash warning light ("ALT" or "GEN") will come on. This is often the first indication of a failing alternator.
- The lights are dimmer than usual.
- Other electrical systems, such as power windows, power locks, dashboard lights, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc., will start to act up.
- Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles.
- There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to start the engine, or to keep the engine alive, causing it to stall while running.
- The battery will drain because it is not receiving a charge from the alternator.
Remember: If you are having starting problems, be sure to have the alternator checked out to make sure it is sending a charge to the battery, especially before replacing the battery or starter.
Wondering what are the signs of a bad alternator? Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about auto electrical repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.
