If your battery light is on all the time, Benton Road Auto Repair advises that you either have a problem with your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s battery or alternator. A battery will last on average from 3 to 5 years. The alternator will last about 10 years. If you drive an older automobile with an illuminated battery light and one or more of the additional problems listed below, your alternator is dying.
Burning Wire/Rubber Odors
The maximum voltage and alternator produces is 14.5 volts. A dying alternator will work harder than it needs to to produce electricity, and, consequently, overload the electrical system. When this happens, you may smell burning wires or rubber in the engine. This is an indication that the electrical wiring is too hot and it is melting the insulation.
Dim/Flickering Lights
Another indication that your alternator is dying is dim and/or flickering headlights, taillights, and interior lights. If the alternator is producing too much electricity, your lights may be overly bright. Either way, there should never be a difference in the brilliance of the lights unless you make an adjustment yourself, such as turning on the high beams or increasing the brightness of the dashboard light.
Frequent Stuttering/Stalling
The alternator powers more than just the battery, and we will talk more about that below. The alternator also supplies power to the spark plugs so they can fire to ignite the air and fuel in the cylinders. If the alternator is unable to power the spark plugs properly, you may end up with a misfiring engine that sputters and stalls frequently.
Growling or Whining Noises
A dying alternator can also produce growling sounds. This is an indication that there is a problem with the internal mechanisms that make up the alternator. Another sounds you might hear if the alternator is going bad is whining noises. This points to a problem with the alternator belt. Most likely, it is too loose.
Hard Starts/Dead Battery
As we mentioned above, the alternator helps to keep the battery powered; in other words, charged. If the alternator is unable to keep the battery charged, it will lose all of its power and die. You will notice that it is difficult if not impossible to get your car, truck, or utility vehicle started.
Malfunctioning Accessories
If any of your accessories are malfunctioning, this, too, can point to the alternator. For example, assume for the moment that you want to adjust your power seat but it won’t move when you flip the lever. This is an indication that the alternator is no longer providing power to the power seats.
This is just one example of malfunctioning accessories related to a dying alternator. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the problems listed above, call Benton Road Auto Repair in Bossier City, LA, today.
