how to know if your battery is bad or your alternator?
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However, a very simple way to check if the alternator is working is to run the car and disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If the vehicle stops running, then you probably have a bad alternator. You can also examine your interior and dashboard lights.
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If the alternator starts to die, you might notice your headlights and/or dashboard lights beginning to dim. Once the dash light or headlights dim, it is a clear indication of potential alternator malfunction.
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Lights that are dim across the dashboard are also indications of a problem. Both flickering and dimming are strong indications that your alternator is no longer capable of generating adequate power. A battery that seems to be weak or has died may mean your alternator is going bad as well.
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Driving with your Battery Light on is not a good idea. If the battery is bad, the alternator is faulty, or the wiring is bad, these can cause the vehicle to lose power and not operate like it normally would. The battery powers essential parts of your car, so it is a must have piece of equipment.
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The battery's job is to start the car, and the alternator keeps it running.” Gunning says an alternator typically lasts about seven years, or about 100,000 to 150,000 miles, adds Waits. Some mechanics, though, say they typically see alternators last about 80,000 miles.
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Dim or flickering headlights may also indicate alternator failure. You may find the lights brighten as RPMs pick up, but dim as RPMs falls. This is a sure sign that the alternator is not managing to generate enough power to keep up with the cars electrical needs.
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Bad Battery Symptoms If the cranking of the engine is sluggish, like your vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings, it starts inconsistently, or there's no sound and interior lights when you try to start, suspect a failing battery, a loose or corroded connection or electrical draw.
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['To determine if the battery is experiencing a problem, turn off all electrical loads and the charging source.', 'For an accurate reading, allow the battery to sit with no electrical loads applied for at least one hour.']
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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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['A slow starting engine.', 'Dim lights and electrical issues.', 'The check engine light is on.', 'A bad smell.', 'Corroded connectors.', 'A misshapen battery case.', 'An old battery.']
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You notice that your headlights or your dash lights flicker or get extra dim or bright. Or that your gauges are behaving strangely. If you jump start your car and it will start, but the engine dies right after the jump then it is most likely the alternator.
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The most common reason that your alternator is not charging is because of a damaged alternator. The way to test if your alternator is damaged is by using a multimeter. You should carefully tap the alternator with a hammer when the car is running in order to test the levels and determine if the alternator is at fault.
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A charging system that is operating normally should produce about 13.8 to 14.3 or more volts at idle. If the charging voltage is less than 13.0 volts, the alternator is not putting out enough voltage and current to keep the battery charged. You should have the alternator tested (or bench tested at an auto parts store).
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Signs of a Bad Alternator Another telltale is turning the AM radio to a low number on the dial without music, then revving the engine. If you hear a whine or the sound goes fuzzy when you hit the gas, your alternator is probably failing.
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['Slow Engine Crank. When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.', 'Check Engine Light. ... ', 'Low Battery Fluid Level. ... ', 'Swelling, Bloating Battery Case. ... ', 'Battery Leak. ... ', 'Old Age.']
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If your car battery is above 12 volts, go for a drive In general, if the battery is showing between 12 and 12.4 volts, it's safe to recharge it using your vehicle's alternator.
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['Test the Output. When an alternator wears out, it does so in stages. ... ', 'Check the Battery. Many times, the alternator will fail from being "stressed" by a dead or dying battery. ... ', 'Listening for Sounds. Inside the alternator is a rotor that spins on a set of ball bearings. ... ', 'Losing Ground. ... ', 'Belt Slippage.']