An alternator charges the battery, and when it malfunctions, all sorts of issues pop up. Worst of all, a failing alternator could get you stranded next to the road. The following signs will warn you if you need an alternator repair from your Massachusetts Ford dealer asap.
1. The Battery Warning Light Is On
The battery warning light goes on when there is a problem with the electrical system. If your car’s alternator is failing, the voltage fluctuates, and that’s what triggers the battery warning light. It’s best to ask your Ford technician to take a look and fix the problem as soon as possible.
2. Dim Headlights
It’s your alternator that ensures that your headlights and dashboard lights are bright. When you notice that your dashboard lights and headlights are dimmer than usual, the alternator could be the culprit. When your alternator is failing, your car’s headlights will also change from bright to dim when you accelerate.
3. Issues With Accessories
When the voltage fluctuates, you’ll have hassles with the accessories. Suddenly the electric windows and the windshield wipers will operate slower. You will also have issues with the sunroof, heated seats, and power locks. This happens because the computer cuts the power to items that are non-essential items first, such as accessories that are now acting up or not working at all.
4. Strange Noises
An alternator is made up of many moving components. When any parts fail or break, you will hear whining, rattling, and grinding sounds coming from under the hood. The noises could be caused by bad or broken bearings or a misaligned belt. Don’t ignore strange sounds that you are not familiar with. Get it checked out soon before you start hearing rattling noises, which means the malfunctioning alternator caused damage to the engine.
5. Burning or Electrical Smells
An overworked alternator with worn and broken parts will cause unpleasant electrical and burning smells. You will smell an electrical odor when the alternator pushes too much electricity through the wires, heating them up. The alternator’s drive belt is close to the engine, and when the drive belts start to wear, there will be a burning smell.
6. Hard Starts
It’s not always your car’s battery preventing your vehicle from starting. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition, there is a problem with the alternator. The alternator is not charging the battery sufficiently. Your car is trying to start from power stored in the battery, but it’s not enough to start the engine. Get the problem fixed before your car won’t start at all.
7. Battery Problems
A failing alternator won’t be able to sufficiently charge the battery. Your battery will either be weak or completely dead. Don’t assume you have battery problems. Jump-start your car and if the car dies after a jump-start, you know it’s the alternator causing the problem and not the battery.
When you think your alternator is acting up, ask your Ford technician to perform an inspection and repair the problem asap. Visit Jack Madden Ford today, and our trained Ford technicians will ensure that your car is in excellent running condition.
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