Your car, SUV, or truck relies on the alternator more than you realize. This is the electrical system part that actually generates electricity. The alternator produces up to 14.5 volts of electricity that is routed and used throughout your vehicle while it is in operation. Your automobile may suffer from numerous complications if the alternator is bad. Let’s talk more about this below.
Accessory Complications
The power accessories in your vehicle may start to malfunction and slow down if the alternator is not producing at least 13 volts of electricity. Consequently, you may end up with problems adjusting the seats or opening the windows. You may also have radio, navigation, or USB port problems.
Battery Complications
The alternator also keeps the battery charged. Without an alternator, the battery would discharge until it dies. Consequently, if the alternator is having problems, your car’s battery will be having problems. For example, if you are jump-starting a new battery, the problem is most likely the alternator.
Electrical Complications
We have discussed how much voltage the alternator should produce. In some cases, the alternator will produce excess voltage that will overheat your vehicle’s electrical system. Consequently, you may smell hot electricity underneath the hood. You may also end up with blown fuses due to electrical surges.
Headlight Complications
It doesn’t help you at night that the alternator can make your headlights dimmer than they normally are. It can also make the interior lights dimmer and the taillights dimmer. If the alternator is producing unsteady voltage, the lights will flicker. This makes driving at night extremely difficult.
Spark Plug Complications
The alternator can also affect how well your spark plugs are firing in the combustion chamber. If the plugs do not have enough power from the alternator, they will misfire. Consequently, you may start dealing with a stalling engine that is also idling roughly and suffering from performance problems.
Growling/Squealing
It may seem strange that such a small part can make a ton of noise, but a dying alternator can growl in your engine like an angry cat. It can also squeal. If you hear these noises coming from the engine, have them investigated right away to make sure the engine is not being damaged.
Finally, the engine control unit may turn on a dashboard warning light to let you know your vehicle is suffering from electrical problems. In most automobiles, this light is a light that is in the shape of a battery. If you see this light, head straight to our shop.