Your car’s alternator allows your vehicle to run and charges the battery so that you can start your car. The alternator is essentially an electrical generator that makes electricity as long as your engine is running. If your alternator stops working, your battery will go dead, and your car will stop running, so it’s crucial to recognize what alternator problems are and how to address them if they arise.
What is an Alternator, and What Does it Do?
An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It creates an alternating current by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field. This current charges the battery and powers the car’s electronics and electric devices, like headlights and radios, when you’re driving. The alternator is typically located near the serpentine belt’s front of your car engine.
Signs of Alternator Failure
A common sign of alternator failure is dim or overly bright headlights, dash lights, or interior lights. Revving the engine is easy to check if the alternator is causing the problem. The alternator isn’t working correctly if the lights get bright when you rev the engine.
Another sign of alternator trouble is if you have malfunctioning electrical components like power seats, windows, or the car’s stereo. In most vehicles, the computer system will direct electricity to essential components if there’s a problem with the alternator. For example, if your car’s power windows are slow to operate or the radio stops working, it could signal alternator trouble.
Why do Car Alternators Fail?
Your car’s alternator is typically very reliable, but some reasons can cause failure. One of the most common is wear and tear on the internal components like bearings. Another issue that can cause alternator failure is installing an aftermarket electrical part that overloads it. If this is the case, your car’s alternator may overheat and burn out. Jump-starting your car incorrectly and fluid leaks from other engine components are other causes of alternator failure.
How are Alternators Repaired?
Alternators are typically replaced rather than repaired. In some cases, an alternator can be rebuilt and may be cheaper than a new alternator, which may be challenging to find. In the rebuilding process, many components may be replaced, including the brushes, rotor, armature, and others. Rebuilt alternators are typically not recommended by many mechanics as new OEM alternators will usually give the best results.
