 When you turn the key in the ignition and you hear a series of rapid clicks but nothing else, it's easy to think your car battery is to blame. While that can be true, here are some ways to help determine if it is your car's alternator instead.
1. Service Engine Light - When your alternator starts to go back, it can cause your "check engine" light to come on. If your car has more specific messaging, you may even see "ALT" or a battery icon indicator. 2. Dim Lights - Dim or flickering lights is one of the most common signals that your alternator may be starting to fail. It can be more obvious at night, but if your interior / dashboard lights brighten when your vehicle is increasing speed (increasing RPM's), then you should have your alternator checked asap. 3. Odd Noises - If you hear a squealing noise, growl or grinding noise while driving, these are all signs that your alternator may need some attention. 4. Engine Stalling - if your engine cuts while driving, it is often the alternator, caused by lack of fuel injection due to lack of electrical power. Without fuel, the engine dies. 5. Electrical Issues - If power seats and/or windows start to fail or are slow, this is a sign they aren't getting enough electrical power, which again, points to a faulty or worn out alternator. 6. Dead Battery - If the alternator fails, the vehicle will quickly use up your battery's capacity, even if it is new. This can completely drain your battery. People will replace their battery but not check their alternator, and this can result in being stranded once again. If you suspect your alternator is failing, give us a call at 763-497-1677 and we can get your scheduled for a diagnostic test and evaluation.
8 Comments
12/15/2021 04:20:26 pm
Thanks for the guide that a dead car battery could cause your engine to stall as you drive. I plan to purchase a sedan for my family, and I want to learn more about car issues before finalizing a purchase. I'll remember this info and seek out a car battery expert for advice whenever necessary.
Brent
6/28/2022 06:09:22 pm
Thanks for this insightful and truly wonderful post! I want to share a company who helps me with euro car maintenance. "Karl Knudsen Automotive". https://www.karlknudsen.com.au They have great mechanic with expertise with euro cars in particular. Once again, thanks! 7/22/2022 06:34:04 am
My car has been having issues, and I'm not sure if it's the battery or the alternator. After taking a look at things, it seems more likely to be a problem with the battery. I'll be sure to get a professional to help me out with this. 9/30/2022 11:48:10 am
Thanks so much for the tips on how to find what's broken in your car when it won't turn on. My partner has an old car that needs repairs and we don't know where to take it. We've been looking into nearby mechanic shops to see what they're like and if they'll be a good fit for our needs. 11/3/2022 09:12:51 pm
Thanks for your information . i am read your article i am very impressive. 12/5/2022 07:11:57 pm
Thank you for mentioning that dim or flickering lights are one of the most prevalent signs that your alternator is failing. My mother claims that the car's headlights are flickering. I'll take her car to an automotive repair shop to get the alternator checked and repaired. It got me when you said that there are issues with the alternator now that there is squealing noises or any other types of sound from the car. I guess I already need to take it to a professional here in Whistler to get an engine repair or any kind of repair that it might need. It has been producing such sounds for the past two days now, and we are lucky that it did not cause us to get into any type of accident during those days. Leave a Reply. |
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