Your car’s alternator is a key part of the electrical system, providing power to the car as the engine runs. But if your car’s alternator is having trouble, that can bring up a whole new set of issues. At the very least, your car’s battery is likely to start having problems very soon as well. 2000 Auto tells you what to be on the lookout for in terms of alternator trouble.
Battery Problems
When the alternator is having problems, the battery isn’t far behind. That’s because your car’s battery needs the alternator to send it power as the car runs. That keeps the battery charged and ready to go. You might not notice other issues when the alternator first starts having trouble. It could look instead as if the battery is the culprit.
Squeaks and Squeals
Alternators work along with a lot of different bearings and pulleys. These make a little bit of noise when everything is running well, but if your alternator is having issues or if any of those bearings, pulleys, and belts are having issues, you’re going to hear a series of other sounds. Squeaks and squeals are common when your alternator is not functioning well and you’ll hear them more clearly when the alternator is under a heavier operating load.
Hot Wiring Smells
You really don’t want to smell any kind of hot electrical smells, like melting wiring. The problem is that if your alternator isn’t functioning properly, you very well could start to smell some of those hot electrical smells. Don’t wait if you do notice these smells, because they can quickly turn into a much bigger problem, like an electrical fire in your car.
Warning Lights
Warning lights might be something that you see at any stage of alternator difficulties. If you’re paying close attention, you may notice some other minor symptoms, too, like accessories refusing to work properly. But a warning light on the dashboard is always something to take very seriously, so if you see a light shaped like a battery or the words ALT or GEN, that is your sign to have the situation examined more closely.
Need your car’s alternator or electrical system inspected? Contact us today at 2000 Auto in Melbourne, FL. We’ll be happy to perform diagnostic testing and let you know what we find. From there you can make the best possible decision about what your car needs.