how do you know if you have an alternator problem?
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Signs of a Bad Alternator Some of the things to look for are no-starting and trouble starting, dimming lights and problems with stereo system output. If your car starts but stalls when you're underway, your battery is probably not being recharged due to a faulty alternator.
638887
Higher electrical demands on charging systems have increased alternator failures. A starter that's failing may crank the engine too slowly for a quick start, or it may not crank the engine at all. Often, the problem is not the starter but a low battery or a loose or corroded battery cable connection.
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['The car is hard to start. The battery is often blamed as the culprit for a vehicle not starting. ... ', 'The engine misfires.', 'The car gets poor fuel economy. Worn spark plugs create extra work for your engine. ... ', 'Rough engine idle. ... ', 'Your car struggles to accelerate.', 'The engine is really loud. ... ', "Your 'check engine' light is on."]
57684
A simple test to check the working of the alternator is by running your car; and then unplugging the positive connection of the battery. If the car stops, then you most likely have a problem with the alternator. Another simple test is to check your interior lights.
928985
First, open the hood and start the car. While the engine is running, remove the negative cable from the battery. If the vehicle stalls or dies, the alternator is likely bad. ... Once connected to a terminal, an alternator should test between 12 and 13.5 volts.
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['Problems starting the vehicle. Difficulty starting the vehicle is one of the first symptoms of a problem with the battery terminals. ... ', 'Corrosion on the battery. One of the most common symptoms of a battery terminal issue is visible corrosion. ... ', 'Loss of electrical power.']
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['Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. ... ', "Trouble starting. Car won't start and you're late for work… Flat battery? ... ", 'Engine misfiring. ... ', 'Engine surging. ... ', 'High fuel consumption. ... ', 'Lack of acceleration.']
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If you hear a whine or the sound goes fuzzy when you hit the gas, your alternator is probably failing. If the vehicle won't crank or start but the headlights are still working, look to problems with the starter or other parts of the engine.
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['What does an alternator do? ... ', 'Symptom #1 – Warning Indicator Light on Dashboard. ... ', 'Symptom #2 – Dim/Flickering Headlights. ... ', 'Symptom #3 – Dead Battery. ... ', 'Symptom #4 – Strange Sounds. ... ', 'Symptom #5 – Strange Smells. ... ', 'Symptom #6 – Slow Electrical Accessories. ... ', 'Symptom #7 – Regular Stalling/Difficulty Starting.']
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2. Look for the Warning Signs of a Dying Battery: You might notice that when you turn the ignition key, the engine cranks slowly. This could be a sign that your battery is about to die, Mazor says. Another telltale sign is to turn on the headlights when the engine isn't running, he says.
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['Dim lights. The alternator is part of the electrical system of your vehicle. ... ', 'Warning light. Most modern cars have a dashboard warning light that alerts you when the alternator is on the fritz. ... ', 'Weak or dead battery. ... ', 'Weird smells. ... ', 'Odd sounds. ... ', 'Visual cues.']
1278626
If, by bad alternator, you mean it isn't charging the battery anymore, you can drive the vehicle until such time as the battery is drained. But this may not be for long at all so don't rely on it for great distances. Also, batteries do not particularly “like” to be completely drained (i.e., it may shorten its life).
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["Dim headlights. If your car battery is failing, it's not going to be able to fully power your vehicle's electrical components – including your headlights. ... ", 'Clicking sound when you turn the key. ... ', 'Slow crank. ... ', 'Needing to press on the gas pedal to start. ... ', 'Backfiring.']
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Starting and running an engine, in its simplest form, is a three-step process. ... If the engine starts but dies immediately, your alternator probably isn't keeping your battery charged. If a jump starts and keeps your car running, but the car can't start again off of its own power, a dead battery is likely your answer.
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["The Engine Misfires. Dirty fuel injectors may cause your vehicle's engine to misfire. ... ", "Idling Gets Rough. Does your vehicle sputter and shake when you're at a stop sign or sitting in traffic? ... ", 'Your Gas Mileage Tanks. ... ', 'The RPM Needle Starts to Dance. ... ', "Your Car Won't Start."]
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["High Gauge Reading. An overcharging alternator will cause the voltmeter on the vehicle's dash to read an overly high voltage that may or may not vary with engine speed. ... ", 'Low Battery Electrolyte. ... ', 'Burnt Bulbs. ... ', 'Battery Heating. ... ', 'Swollen Battery. ... ', 'Seeping Battery.']
912208
If you have a bad alternator, it is wise to replace it as soon as possible. It can be dangerous to drive around with a bad alternator, especially in newer vehicles because they are far more electricity reliant than older ones, in ways that can cause serious trouble if they lose electricity.