Your vehicle’s alternator is the center of your car’s electrical charging system. It converts the mechanical power of the turning crankshaft into electrical power for your car’s systems. Although your alternator has a fairly long life, it will eventually show signs of wear, and you’ll need an alternator repair. As your trusted local CDJR dealer in Mt. Orab, OH, we’d like you to know some of the signs that your alternator is failing.
Damaged Stator
As your crankshaft turns, it causes the alternator belt to run across several different pulleys. Each of these pulleys is attached to a specific component, and the movement of the belt causes the component to work. The movement of the pulley spins the alternator, and as it spins, it produces electricity. The electricity it produces is transmitted to the various electrical components in your car.
The power generated is AC, and your car’s electrical systems all require DC to work. The stator is a small part of your alternator that converts AC to DC before the power is transmitted. If the stator fails, your alternator will continue to generate power, but this power is wasted, and your electrical system will fail. We can replace the stator, and your electrical system will function normally again.
Dim then Bright Lights
One sign of possible alternator damage is headlights varying their luminescence. Your headlights should have a steady and stable beam. If, however, the lights start dim and then become too bright, this can mean that your alternator is starting to fail. A good alternator can easily supply all of the power to meet your car’s electrical demands.
As your alternator begins wearing out, it gradually produces less power until it eventually fails. When the alternator can no longer supply all of your car’s electrical demands, the available power is allocated on a priority basis. Dim lights mean that your headlights are being supplied with just enough power to work, and they become brighter when more power is made available.
Warning Light
Your dash has a battery-sharped warning light which represents your car’s electrical system. The light is connected to various sensors attached to the battery, alternator, and other parts of the electrical system. Each of these sensors monitors the component it’s attached to for any signs of problems. If a problem is detected, a message is sent to your car’s computer, and the warning light will light up.
A worn alternator can trigger this light when its output drops below a preset level. A healthy alternator produces 14.5 volts, and under a full load, it shouldn’t drop below 13 volts. If the sensor attached to the alternator detects a sustained output of fewer than 13 volts, this is a sign of a potential problem. Our technicians will test your alternator, and we will replace it if it’s failing.
If you have any problems with your alternator, request a service appointment with Mt. Orab Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram as soon as you can.
Image via DealerOn
Connect with us
