Some drivers don’t understand the job of the alternator. If their car is getting hard to start, they often blame it on the starter or the battery. However, the job of the alternator is to charge the battery and supply power to the electrical systems of your vehicle. If the alternator starts to fail, many other things will stop working, such as the lights, navigation system, power windows, etc.
Because today’s cars are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity, the alternator is a key component, turning the energy from the crankshaft into electricity to power the electrical systems and recharge the battery.
So just what are the symptoms of a faulty alternator? Take a look below:
- The dashboard indicator light - "ALT" or "GEN"
- Dim headlights
- Other electrical failures—power windows, locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.
- Bearings fail in the engine
- Car stalls or has difficulty starting—not enough power sent to the spark plugs
- Dead battery
For starting problems, ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to determine if the starter, the battery, or the alternator is the culprit. This will give you confidence that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Wondering what are the symptoms of a faulty alternator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Big Lake Automotive today for more information about starters, batteries, and alternators, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves the residents of Big Lake, MN, and surrounding areas.
Some drivers don’t understand the job of the alternator. If their car is getting hard to start, they often blame it on the starter or the battery. However, the job of the alternator is to charge the battery and supply power to the electrical systems of your vehicle. If the alternator starts to fail, many other things will stop working, such as the lights, navigation system, power windows, etc.
Because today’s cars are loaded with sensors and computers that all require electricity, the alternator is a key component, turning the energy from the crankshaft into electricity to power the electrical systems and recharge the battery.
So just what are the symptoms of a faulty alternator? Take a look below:
- The dashboard indicator light - "ALT" or "GEN"
- Dim headlights
- Other electrical failures—power windows, locks, air conditioning, radio, GPS, etc.
- Bearings fail in the engine
- Car stalls or has difficulty starting—not enough power sent to the spark plugs
- Dead battery
For starting problems, ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to determine if the starter, the battery, or the alternator is the culprit. This will give you confidence that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Wondering what are the symptoms of a faulty alternator? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Big Lake Automotive today for more information about starters, batteries, and alternators, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves the residents of Big Lake, MN, and surrounding areas.
