It will take about 10 years or 100,000 miles before the alternator goes bad. This is generally how long this electrical system part lasts. The alternator is the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system because it generates electricity. The maximum output is 14.5 volts. Here are signs that your alternator is bad.
Burning Electricity
If the alternator is going bad and malfunctions, it may overproduce electricity. When this happens, it generates more than the 14.5-volt maximum it should generate. When this happens, it overheats your vehicle’s electrical system. Consequently, you will smell burning electricity in the engine and throughout the automobile.
Frequent Jump-starts
The alternator uses the electricity that it generates to keep the battery charged all the time. This prevents the battery from dying. If you have had to jump-start your car, SUV, or truck frequently, this is a sign that the battery is not being charged as it discharges. In other words, you need a new alternator.
Frequent Stalling
The alternator also uses the electricity that it generates to send charges to the spark plugs. This ensures they fire and generate sparks whenever it is their turn in the sequence. If your automobile is stalling frequently, it’s possible that the plugs are not firing. A dead alternator can cause this problem.
Headlight Problems
You may realize that you’ve got an electrical problem because your headlights are too dim. You may also notice that the dashboard light is dimmer than it normally is as are the other interior lights. This is a sign that the alternator is producing electricity under 13 volts, which is the minimum voltage it should produce.
Odd Engine Noises
The alternator itself may start to make a noise if it is malfunctioning. The most common sound an alternator will make is grinding. You will hear this grinding noise coming from the engine. The alternator is located in the front of the engine, so this is from where the noise will come.
Slow Accessories
A dying alternator is going to slow down your vehicle’s accessories. In the case of accessories that don’t move, such as your entertainment and navigation systems, these accessories will start to malfunction. If the accessories are not working properly, they may not be getting enough power.
Finally, in some cases, the engine control unit will turn on the battery light to let you know there’s a problem with the alternator. This light will turn on and stay on until you replace the alternator. Call us today if you are having any of these problems.