If your headlights seem dimmer than usual or even start flickering, it’s likely your alternator is struggling. When a headlight goes out, it won’t flicker, it will just stop working. So if they come on but seem to have trouble staying at their full power, it’s more likely an electrical problem , which points to the alternator. This is one of the more common signs you may encounter.
Your mind probably goes to two things when you’re unable to start your car: either you’re out of fuel or you have a dead battery. It can also point to a failing alternator, which helps transfer power to the battery, spark plugs, and other systems. If your spark plugs can’t get power, your engine won’t be able to start. It’s best not to ignore this problem, no matter what the cause ends up being. Eventually, your car just won’t start at all.
Similarly, you may notice your car stalling if your alternator is failing. This is also because of a lack of power being transferred to your spark plugs, so even if your engine is running, they may lose the ability to ignite the fuel-air mixture that keeps the engine running. A stalling car should be addressed as soon as possible by a trusted mechanic.
Along with your headlights, anything else that relies on electricity in your car may start struggling. This includes your power locks, windows, and radio. Of course, with electrical problems , there are other possibilities besides your alternator, including your battery wearing out, so it’s a good idea to have a mechanic take a look to be sure.
If you often come out to a dead car battery, it’s possible that your battery is at the end of its life – or your alternator is on its last leg. This can be tricky to figure out on your own unless you know that your battery is new and shouldn’t already be having trouble getting your car started. Luckily, you can head to a mechanic or auto shop and have a simple test run to check your battery life. If your battery is still doing fine, you’re dealing with an alternator problem.
Whether your battery is old or new , it will be drained of power faster if your alternator is failing. This is because it’s not being adequately charged in the first place because the alternator cannot get enough electrical power to it.
Because so many different problems can cause strange noises, this symptom goes alongside the above signs of alternator failure. Sometimes, a failing alternator will cause some bearings in the engine to also fail , which can lead to rattling from under the hood. Any time you hear rattling from under your car’s hood, it’s time to make a car repair appointment , but if it’s together with electrical issues, your mechanic will likely point to the alternator.
Some cars have a dashboard warning light just for the alternator. This light may have ALT or GEN on it and it directly signals a problem with your alternator. This may even be the first signal you get that your alternator is wearing out, ahead of any other signs you could notice. If you see this light come on your dashboard, get your car to a mechanic to run a diagnostic test.
From transmission to alternator repairs, our expert mechanics at AAMCO Utah can handle any car problem you’re encountering. A stalling car or frequently dead battery is more than just a nuisance. They can also turn into a real safety issue. We’ll make sure you’re safe, sound, and that your car will get you from point A to B – and back.
No one wants to run into a dead car battery. One way to help keep your car battery and electrical system healthy is to take care of some basic at home car maintenance. Whether you’re car savvy or not, it’s easy to keep your car battery clean and check for any signs...
read more
Finding a stand-out mechanic is tough. Many people have trouble finding a mechanic to trust with their car, time after time. How can you avoid going to another mechanic that just won’t cut it? There are a few key things that set great mechanics apart from the rest....
read more
Got money on your mind? Gas prices across the country are rising. If you feel like that’s hitting your wallet hard, there are ways to help improve your car’s gas mileage. Through a combination of routine car maintenance and good driving habits, you can help save money...
read more
Stranded in Salt Lake City with a bad transmission? Or just looking for a new SLC transmission shop for the next time you need a mechanic? Whatever situation you find yourself in, you want a SLC transmission repair shop you can trust. When it comes to transmissions,...
read more
Noticing a jerky ride lately? If your car is having trouble shifting gears, it’s a good indicator that you need a transmission repair. There are a number of specific underlying problems it could be and a mechanic is best able to accurately diagnose which you’re...
read more
As a driver, it can be helpful to understand the basics of how to diagnose a broken transmission. Whether you drive an automatic transmission or manual transmission, many of the signs and symptoms of a broken transmission are the same or similar. A mechanic is best...
read more
Tired of typing, “transmission shop near me,” into your search engine and feeling indifferent about their service after the fact? Well, you’re in luck, because the best place to repair a transmission in Salt Lake City is AAMCO Utah. No matter what car repair service...
read more
The post Is My Alternator Failing? Signs to Watch Out For first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
