On average, the alternator in a car, truck, or utility vehicle will last approximately 100,000 miles. In terms of time, this is usually about eight to 10 years. The alternator may be going bad if you receive a dashboard warning light that refuses to turn off. Specifically, the engine control unit will turn on the battery light to let you know there’s a problem with the alternator.
Burning Wires or Insulation
Your nose may also tell you that the alternator is malfunctioning. If it is producing excessive voltage, it will overload the electrical system in your vehicle and overheat it. Unfortunately, this means you will smell burning wires or burning wire insulation in your automobile.
Constant Need for Jump-starts
Another sign that the alternator is going bad is a constant need for jump-starts. This is an indication that the alternator is unable to keep the battery charged. When this happens, the battery discharges until it dies. It will not retain a charge if the alternator is not charging it.
Frequent Misfiring/Stalling
The alternator can also indirectly create a problem with your vehicle’s engine performance. If it cannot power the spark plugs, the engine will start to misfire and stall. Unfortunately, the spark plugs need power supplied by the alternator in order to produce sparks in the combustion chamber.
Grinding/Growling Noises
Your ears can also tell you that the alternator is going bad. If you hear grinding her growling noises coming from your engine, the alternator has worn out. Squealing or whining noises can also affect how well the alternator produces electricity if the serpentine belt is bad.
Malfunctioning Accessories
The alternator also helps to produce the power that your vehicle’s power accessories need. This includes the windows and seats, as well as the radio, GPS, and touchscreen. If you start having problems with your automobile accessories, it’s possible that the alternator is not generating enough electricity.
Strange Light Problems
This is definitely the case if your headlights are too dim and make it difficult to see at night. You will also notice that you have a hard time seeing inside your vehicle because the interior lights are not as bright as they normally are. As you can figure, the taillights will also be dimmer.
Call us today so we can schedule an appointment for your automobile to replace the alternator. This is an auto repair that does not take a tremendous amount of time, so it won’t take your entire day.