Your alternator has a mighty job to do. It keeps your vehicle running by converting energy from mechanical to electrical. It’s impossible to drive when your alternator is malfunctioning, so getting an alternator repair from your El Paso, TX Acura dealer is a must if you experience one of the problems discussed below.
1. Warning Light
If your vehicle was made in the last decade, then you likely have a warning light that tells you if something is wrong with your alternator. The light is usually battery-shaped, but occasionally it will say “GEN” or “ALT” instead. Call us as soon as this light comes on – we’ll repair your alternator swiftly.
2. Dim Headlights
As your alternator is responsible for supplying electrical power, your electrical accessories will start failing when the alternator needs a repair. Your headlights are included in the list of electric accessories that can fail.
Thankfully, most modern vehicles have a priority list programmed into them. This means your headlights will be one of the last components to be affected by your alternator issues. However, if your vehicle was made more than 10 years ago, then your headlights may be one of the first parts to fail.
3. Malfunctioning Accessories
Vehicles made within the last decade will stop powering the electrical accessories sufficiently when the alternator is having problems. Your power windows may start sticking, your radio might not switch on, or perhaps your sunroof refuses to open. All of these components are powered by electrical energy, and electrical energy is scarce when your alternator is having problems.
Your accessories can malfunction on their own, so this won’t always be an alternator issue. However, if more than one accessory fails at once, then it’s definitely a problem with either your alternator or your battery. You should have an Acura expert examine both of these components.
4. Headlights Flickering
Your vehicle tries its best to keep everything running smoothly, even when it’s having problems. Your alternator may try to power your lights, but it’ll fail every time as the need for repairs increases. This will lead to flickering headlights. Your headlights may also be dimmer than usual while they flicker on and off.
5. Dead Battery
If your alternator fails, then so does your battery, eventually. Sometimes your battery will die of its own accord, though, so you’ll need to jump-start your vehicle to figure out whether you have an alternator issue or a truly dead battery.
A vehicle that stays on after being jumpstarted has a faulty battery. You can go and drive as normal today, but you’ll need to stop by your dealer for a battery checkup as soon as you can. On the other hand, a vehicle that shuts down after being jumpstarted has a faulty alternator. The alternator can’t charge the battery, so you’ll remain unable to drive until your alternator is repaired.
Our technicians are highly qualified, and they’re ready to make any repairs you need. Stop by FOX Acura of El Paso today!
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