How to Know When an Engine Alternator is Failing
There are many signs of an engine alternator failure, giving you a good idea of what to expect and how this problem can occur if your vehicle experiences it. Although it’s usually the battery that’s causing an electric problem, a bad alternator is another culprit that also can be mistaken for a weak battery. Continue reading to find out the five most common signs of an engine alternator that’s on its way out and how North Edmonton Kia can help if you are experiencing any of these issues.
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5 Signs Your Engine Alternator is On Its Way Out
1. Car Battery Keeps Dying
A common sign of an engine alternator that has quit working properly is a car battery that’s always dying, especially in the mornings after being left overnight. It’s quite simple to have the battery tested and if it’s still healthy, then the alternator is likely not recharging it, requiring it to be tested as well.
2. Inconsistent Electrical Issues
When an engine alternator begins to fail, it usually won’t completely stop working but rather delivers inconsistent recharging, which causes various intermittent electrical issues. If your vehicle feels like it’s losing power in significant amounts, which causes electronics in the vehicle to stop working, it’s always a good idea to test the battery and alternator for proper function.
3. Electrical Burning Smell
A bad alternator will have various smells, such as burning rubber or electrical smell, signifying that it’s likely about to quit working altogether soon. It’s important to be diligent in replacing an alternator that is on its way out before it leaves you stranded.
4. Louder Engine Noise
Sometimes, an alternator could be failing to function properly due to a bad pulley, causing it to produce louder noises under the hood than usual. As the serpentine belt spins the bad pulley, you can hear audible noise, which is usually accompanied by a battery charge light on the dash in some models.
5. Engine Stalling
Another telltale sign of a bad alternator that is on its way out is the engine struggling to start as it fully relies on the car battery, which isn’t being sufficiently recharged during drives. However, where things become more obvious is when the engine stalls while driving as the battery loses charge and the alternator can’t keep up with recharging it efficiently.
Book an Engine Alternator Diagnosis and Replacement at North Edmonton Kia
There are many different signs of an alternator that is failing, as there are many different ways that alternators can fail at varying degrees. Don’t let yourself get stranded with a vehicle struggling to stay on, which can be unsafe for you and others on the road. Book an appointment with the expert technicians at North Edmonton Kia and diagnose your vehicle properly to ensure you hit the road back in a reliable vehicle you can depend on for your daily commute.