The electrical charging system is one of the most important systems on any vehicle. The charging system is made up of several components, including the alternator and battery, that work together to supply all of the vehicle’s electrical needs. The alternator is what specifically generates the amperage and electricity required to meet the vehicle’s electrical needs, including keeping the battery charged.
Because the alternator plays such a vital role in keeping all of the vehicle’s electrical components powered, any alternator problems can quickly develop into problems with another system or component on the vehicle. Usually, a defective or faulty alternator will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue, allowing time for the driver to service the vehicle before a bigger problem occurs. If you need an alternator replacement, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a high-quality alternator to prevent further complications.
1. Having to Jump Start Vehicle Consistently
One of the first bad alternator symptoms is the need to jump start the vehicle on a regular basis. It is the job of the battery to provide the power to crank the engine and start the vehicle, however, it is the job of the alternator to make sure that the battery stays charged. If the alternator is beginning to have problems or has failed, it will not be able to meet the vehicle’s electrical needs, including keeping the battery fully charged. A low or uncharged battery will not be able to keep up with the load required to start an engine multiple times, and will result in a dead battery. Continuously having to jump start the vehicle may be a sign that the alternator may not be charging the battery and is therefore unable to successfully start a vehicle.
The most effective method to assess this is by measuring the voltage output while the vehicle is running and all accessories are engaged. If the vehicle consistently generates over 13 volts, it indicates proper functionality. However, other factors such as phantom drain or other underlying issues could also contribute to discrepancies in electrical performance. Seeking professional evaluation can help identify and address potential concerns beyond voltage irregularities, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's electrical system.
2. Dim Lights
Another sign of a bad alternator is dim or flickering lights. If you notice any sort of flickering or dimming of the lights when operating the vehicle, it may be a sign that the alternator is not generating enough power to keep up with the vehicle’s electrical needs. The dimming or flickering may coincide with certain actions when operating the vehicle, such as dimming when pressing on the gas pedal, turning up the volume on the stereo, or turning on another light. This symptom may be indicative of an alternator that is unable to keep up with the needs of the vehicle’s electrical system while it is running, and when additional loads are placed on it.
3. Battery or Alternator Light Comes On
One of the most common symptoms of a bad alternator is an illuminated Battery Light or Alternator Light. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and providing power to the car's electrical system. The Battery Light will usually come on when the computer detects that the system voltage has fallen below a certain requirement. This usually means that the alternator, or perhaps one of its internal components, has failed and it is no longer able to keep up with the vehicle’s electrical requirements, and it has been detected by the computer. An illuminated Battery Light also indicates that the vehicle is now running on limited battery life. Depending on the condition of the battery, and how long the Battery Light has been on, the vehicle should be able to run for a short amount of time before the battery finally dies. At that point, the vehicle will shut off and service will be required.
4. Smell of Burning Rubber
A burning rubber smell in your vehicle can be a concerning symptom of a bad alternator. This smell is often the result of a slipping or loose alternator belt. When the alternator belt loses tension or becomes worn, it may start slipping on the pulleys, generating heat and emitting a distinctive burning rubber odor. The burning smell is a clear indicator that the alternator is struggling to charge the battery and power the electrical components efficiently. Ignoring this symptom could lead to further damage to the alternator, battery, or other engine components. It's crucial to address the issue immediately by inspecting the alternator belt for wear or looseness and replacing it if necessary.
5. Accessories React Slow or Stop Working
The malfunction or slow response of vehicle accessories, such as your windows, air conditioning, seat warmers, and speedometer, can be a sign of a bad alternator. These accessories rely on an electrical supply from the alternator to function. When the alternator is faulty or failing, it may lead to inconsistent power being delivered to the accessories, causing them to stop working or respond slowly. This issue shows an imbalance in the electrical system, affecting the overall performance of the vehicle. Ignoring bad alternator symptoms may result in complete accessory failure and potential strain on the battery.
The alternator is among a vehicle’s most important components, as it essentially serves to provide the electrical supply for the entire vehicle. Any alternator problems can quickly translate to problems with starting and running the vehicle, which opens up the possibility of being stranded on the road. If you suspect that your vehicle is showing signs of a bad alternator and is displaying any of the symptoms above, you may want to test your alternator or have it carefully inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic. They will be able to determine if an alternator replacement is necessary, or if another issue needs to be addressed.
