The alternator plays an essential role in your vehicle’s electrical system since it takes the mechanical energy produced by your car’s engine and converts it into electrical energy that can be used by different components of your vehicle, like the power steering pump or the air conditioner compressor. Unfortunately, while most alternators have well over 100,000 miles of service life, they’re known to fail anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and proper maintenance. To identify when your alternator may be failing, pay close attention to these five warning signs.
1. Battery Light Comes On
If your battery light comes on, it might mean that you need a new battery, but it could also mean that your alternator isn’t working. To find out for sure, have a mechanic look at it. They will put a diagnostic tool in the car’s OBD-II port and see if the voltage is high enough. If it is, the problem may be just a dead battery or an old one needing replacement.
2. Burning Smell
If you notice a burning smell coming from under your hood, the chances are that your alternator is on its way out. This issue can be caused by an old belt, a wire rubbing against the alternator, or extreme heat. If this happens to you, make sure you visit an auto repair shop immediately so they can diagnose and fix the problem.
3. Dashboard Lights Flickering
If your car’s alternator isn’t charging the battery properly, you might notice dashboard lights flickering or headlights dimming when the engine revs up. This is a good indication that your car’s alternator isn’t working correctly.
4. Engine Whines or Makes Strange Noises
If your engine is making strange noises or a whining sound, it could be an indication of a failing alternator. But, of course, other things could also be causing the noise, so you should still get it checked out by a professional. The whining noise is usually caused by a problem with the bearings or bushings that are attached to the alternator pulley via a shaft.
5) Dead Battery
The first sign of a failing alternator is when your car’s battery becomes drained suddenly, and you don’t know why. This can be caused by an alternator that isn’t charging the battery, which in turn drains the battery. If this happens, it’s important to have your alternator inspected immediately. You may need a new one!