You should take note of the signs that indicate you need a repair, as doing so will help prevent inconveniences. However, your vehicle may develop different types of faults, and you’ll need to know the signs associated with the different issues. Let’s start by learning the signs that you may be needing an alternator repair.
1. You Start Stalling on Every Journey
If your vehicle has a new habit of stalling on every journey, then you may have an issue with your alternator. Your alternator supplies power to your spark plugs, and your spark plugs, in turn, supply power to your engine. Your engine will switch off and stall when the spark plugs aren’t powering it adequately.
Yes, your spark plugs may be faulty, but it’s more likely going to be an alternator issue. You’ll know that it’s definitely an alternator issue if you experience any more of the signs that are listed below.
2. Your Vehicle Won’t Start
Your battery dying can either be because of a faulty battery or a faulty alternator. You can figure out which part is the problem quite easily. If you jumpstart your vehicle and it stays running, then it’s the battery that’s faulty, and you’ll need to get that looked at. If the vehicle switches off, then it’s the alternator that’s having the problem.
You can drive once you’ve jumpstarted your dead battery, but you should still visit the dealer soon. You can’t drive if your alternator is the culprit, and you’ll need a tow truck to get you to the dealer ASAP.
3. Your Electronic Accessories Aren’t Functioning the Way They Should Be
When your electronic accessories stop functioning correctly, that’s an indication that your alternator doesn’t have enough life left in it to supply power to all the electronic components of your vehicle. It’s prioritizing your dashboard and your headlights right now, but soon enough, they’ll stop working, too.
It’s easy to ignore a broken radio, as it’ll usually become one of those things on the lengthy to-do list that you’ll get fixed eventually. However, it might not be your radio that’s at fault. Usually, it’s your alternator, and it’s definitely an alternator issue if your radio dies alongside your seat warmers, windows, or at least one other electronic accessory.
4. You’re Having Issues with Your Headlights
A faulty alternator will supply inconsistent voltage to your headlights, and that leads to several issues. Some issues obviously stem from insufficient power; for example, if your headlights are flickering or too dim. However, more surprisingly, headlights that are too bright also indicate a fault with your alternator. The headlights may also switch from being too dim to too bright multiple times every time they’re on.
Pullover if you’re having this issue, as it’s unsafe to drive with malfunctioning headlights. Get a tow truck to take you to a dealer or wait until it’s bright enough to drive without your headlights, and make your way to the dealer by yourself.
Come by FOX Acura of El Paso when it’s time for your repair – we’ll get you fixed up in no time!
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