If your car has started stalling frequently and the battery light keeps turning on, CAR FIX in Maryville, Tennessee advises that the alternator is going bad. The alternator provides power to the spark plugs so they can generate sparks. Your car will stall if the spark plugs are misfiring. The battery light will turn on because the underlying problem is not the spark plugs but the alternator. This is just one sign that you need to replace the alternator. Here are other signs of a faulty alternator.
Burning Electricity Odors in the Engine
The alternator is the electrical system part that generates power. On average, it will generate between 13 volts and 14.5 volts of electricity. In rare cases, a malfunctioning alternator may overload the electrical system by producing more than 14.5 volts of electricity. When this happens, the electrical system overheats and you will smell burning electricity coming from your engine.
Changes in Light Brightness
The alternator is also responsible for powering the lights. It powers both the interior and exterior lights of your automobile. Changes in the lights’ brightness can indicate that the alternator is producing too little or too much electricity. You will have lights that are dimmer than normal if it is the former. The latter will cause overly bright lights that might flicker.
Difficult Starts/Dead Battery
The alternator also helps to make sure that the battery is always charged by recharging it after it discharges. If it has been difficult to start your automobile lately and you have had to jump-start your battery frequently, it’s possible that the alternator is not charging the battery. Unless it is too old, the battery should be able to hold a charge provided the alternator is charging it.
Grinding/Growling/Whining Noises
The alternator can make strange noises when it is malfunctioning. It can grind or growl inside your engine. This is usually an indication that the alternator is wearing out. In some cases, the alternator belt may also whine or squeal if it is having problems.
Malfunctioning/Slow Accessories
Finally, as you have learned, the alternator powers many things in your automobile. One more thing that it powers is your accessories. These are things such as your USB charging ports, your entertainment system, and your power windows and seats. If any of these things slow down or start to malfunction, it’s possible the alternator is causing the problem.
CAR FIX in Maryville, TN, is here to help, so call us today if your automobile is having any of the issues discussed above.
