Generally, the alternator lasts quite a long time before it fails in your car, truck, or utility vehicle. In fact, you should get 100,000 miles or more out of the alternator. Once it does go bad, however, you will start to have problems with the electrical production in your vehicle. This is because the alternator is the part that is in charge of generating and converting voltage for your vehicle’s electrical system.
Dim Headlights
For example, if your alternator is dying, it may be unable to provide enough power to the headlights so that they shine at their normal brightness. Consequently, the headlights will be dimmer than normal, and this will make it difficult to see at night. If the alternator is generating uneven electrical currents, the headlights may flicker between being too dim and being too bright.
Faulty Battery
Another thing you will notice is problems with your vehicle’s battery. Unfortunately, the battery will die frequently because the alternator is not keeping it charged. The alternator generates between 13 volts and 14.5 volts of current that your automobile uses as a power source. The leftover current is routed to the battery to keep it charged. If the alternator is struggling to produce current, the battery will discharge. Consequently, you will have to jump-start it frequently.
Hot Electricity
So far, we’ve talked about things that will happen if the alternator does not produce enough electricity. Sometimes, the alternator can produce too much electricity when it is malfunctioning. When this happens, it overheats your vehicle’s electrical system because it overloads it.
Malfunctions
You may also start to have malfunctioning accessories and components aside from the vehicle’s lights. For example, things such as your radio and navigation system may turn off by themselves. You may lose power to your vehicle’s touchscreen. The USB charging ports may fail to charge your smart devices. Finally, the power accessories, such as the seats and windows, may slow down.
Whining Sounds
It might seem strange that whining noises coming from the engine can be a sign that the alternator needs to be replaced. The alternator may also growl or grind if it is wearing out. You will hear these noises coming from the engine when it is running. The noises will stop when you cut the engine.
We are here to help, so give us a call today. We will schedule a service visit for your automobile so we can check the alternator and replace it if necessary.