Your alternator is an important part of your vehicle. Learn the signs of a failing alternator from the experts at Provo Master Muffler.

The Thing About Alternators

Unfortunately, alternator problems can be mistaken for other issues in your vehicle, namely a faulty battery or a failing starter system. If you’re experiencing trouble starting your vehicle, even after it’s driven fine, the alternator might be the culprit. Let’s take a look at what causes damage to an alternator.

What Damages an Alternator?

The alternator is part of the starter system, and it can be damaged in a number of ways:

• Incorrectly using jumper cables
• Overloads to the electrical system
• A leak in the alternator itself
• Overtightened belts in the alternator

Your alternator may not be working at its best because there are loose connections, and electricity isn’t making it to other systems in your vehicle. Or, perhaps the diode rectifier isn’t working, so your car can’t change alternator current (generated in the alternator) to direct current (required to operate the car’s accessories). A problem switching AC to DC power means your alternator may be producing enough power, but it’s not being converted for use in the vehicle.

Signs of a Failing Alternator

Since the alternator ensures your battery stays charged when not in use, constantly being stuck with a dead car every morning might be an alternator issue. Here are some other signs your alternator has issues.

• Engine stalls
• Strange engine sounds
• Burning smells
• Interior and exterior lights are dim
• Electrical systems don’t operate properly, including power windows and locks, internal GPS, and the air conditioner

Dashboard Warning Lights

Some vehicles have a battery-shaped, “ALT” or “GEN” light on their dashboards. It may be obvious that the battery light is signaling a problem with the battery and the “ALT” light is signaling an issue with your alternator, but what does “GEN” stand for?

In older vehicles, the “GEN” light indicates that there is a problem with the generator belt. This can also be known as the alternator or serpentine belt, and it powers the alternator. If it’s misaligned, too tight, or too loose, your alternator performance suffers. If you can visually inspect the alternator belt, look for cracks and wear; if you see any, it’s time to replace it.

Overloaded Electrical Systems

Maybe a warning light only comes on when you’re using multiple electrical systems at the same time. For example, you’re driving with headlights on, windshield wipers going, and the radio. Everything’s fine until you try to turn on the seat warmers, too. Then your dashboard illuminates a battery or ALT light. It’s a sign the electrical system is overloaded, and the max output of the alternator has been reached. Usually, your vehicle should easily be able to put out up to 14.5 volts; if it’s failing, however, running that much electricity triggers a warning light.

Smells and Sounds to Look For

When an alternator is on its last legs, you might hear growling or whining sounds from the engine. If you smell burning rubber, it could be the alternator belt, which experiences a lot of friction and heat under the hood.

You may not be familiar with the smells of an electrical fire, but that’s what an overextended alternator can smell like. It may be a bit fishy, smell like copper, or smell like burning plastic. Regardless, any smells of fire in your vehicle should be addressed immediately.

HOW TO KNOW IT’S THE ALTERNATOR, NOT THE BATTERY

Since it can be tricky to determine if you’re having an alternator problem vs a battery problem, the auto repair team at Provo Master Muffler has a tip.

• Jumpstart your dead vehicle and remove the cables as soon as the vehicle starts
• If the car dies again right away, it’s a sign the alternator can’t keep the battery charged
• If the car continues to run, the alternator is probably fine, and the problem is with the battery

An alternator should last about seven years, or up to 150,000 miles (whichever comes first). But, that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter problems in your vehicle before then.

Fixing or Replacing an Alternator

You can replace an alternator yourself, but only if you feel comfortable taking apart things under the hood with the right tools. Simplified steps for replacing the alternator are as follows:

• Disconnect your vehicle’s battery
• Disconnect all wiring from the alternator
• Remove the alternator belt from the pulley (perhaps the hardest part)
• Remove the bolts that connect the alternator to its brackets
• Pull out the alternator

Once you’ve removed the faulty alternator, do the steps in reverse order to install the new one.

Master Muffler of Provo is happy to help diagnose and address issues you’re experiencing with your vehicle. Give us a call today, or make an appointment online HERE.