Your vehicle’s alternator is part of the engine, and with the battery charges the electrical system. The alternator ensures that there is enough power for the vehicle to operate optimally. If the alternator is not working as it should, it will affect your car’s electrical system in many ways. The following signs will warn you to get an alternator repair as soon as possible before you get stranded next to the road.
1. Warning Lights Are Illuminated
When there is a problem with your alternator, the battery light on your dashboard will come on. With some vehicles, the ALT will be illuminated. The lights are warnings and shouldn’t be ignored. Ask a technician to inspect your vehicle as soon as possible.
2. Dim or Flickering Headlights
Your car’s headlights must always shine at a consistent brightness. If you notice your vehicle’s headlights are dim or change in brightness from dim to bright and back again, it’s a warning that the alternator is not working as it should. Also, if your dashboard lights seem dimmer than usual, not enough power is being generated, and the problem could be caused by a bad alternator.
3. Electrical Problems
The alternator charges the electrical system, and one of the first signs is electrical failures. A faulty alternator may also cause the radio or other electrical components to work intermittently. When the electric windows or wipers are suddenly slower than usual, it is a sign that your alternator needs to be inspected by a qualified technician.
4. You Struggle to Start Your Vehicle
When you try to start your car, and it turns over a few times or doesn’t want to start at all, it could be a weak battery or a faulty alternator. The best cause of action is to schedule a service appointment so that a qualified technician can determine what is causing the problem.
5. You Hear Strange Noises
If you hear noises you are not familiar with such as grinding, squealing, or winding sound, it could be caused by a malfunctioning alternator. An alternator has different parts that move and spin, and if something is not working correctly, you will hear strange noises and sounds you haven’t heard before. Ask a technician to take a look and fix the problem.
6. Your Vehicle’s Battery Is Weak
If your battery is weak or has died and you had to jump-start it, the problem could be caused by a bad alternator. Check if the battery light on your dashboard is on. If not, it’s probably the alternator. If the alternator is not working properly, power will be drawn directly from the battery. This will affect the life of the battery and cause it to die quicker.
If you experience any of the signs, rather be safe than sorry, and book a service appointment at your nearest service center. Ask your technician to perform a charging system test and inspect your alternator. Contact Nissan of Picayune today. Our trained technicians will inspect your electrical system and ensure that your alternator is in good working condition.
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