Q: Alternator not charging
My alternator is not charging the battery like it should.
Recommended Services
| Battery will not hold a charge Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
| Alternator Replacement | $166.62 - $1297.14 | Get a Quote |
Hello. If the alternator is not charging the battery then it may be failing. There are other problems that can occur such as bad battery connections or a failing battery cable. If the car has the wrong battery in it then that can also cause improper charging. A mechanic would usually check the battery to see if it the correct size and then check the connections at the battery. If those are fine then the alternator would need to be load tested to see if it is failing. I’d recommend having a mechanic diagnose the cause of your faulty charging system and replace the alternator if necessary.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Engine won’t start sometimes, problem goes away later
Jeep released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that covers this no crank or no start problem. The TSB 08-007-08 dated 7/04/2008 states that the wireless control module (WCM) is susceptible to locking the ignition after getting a static charge from...
How do I use the radio presets?
The radio presets allow you to set favorite radio stations, so that they are easily accessible with the touch of a button. You can set up to six presets for each radio mode (AM, FM1, and FM2). Here’s how to...
Warning lights coming on and car bogging down.
Your 2009 CC has a number of issues that come up often. When the Service Engine light comes on this will also turn on the EPC light as the computer cannot control the electronic power control (EPC) system. A computer...
Car overheating on hot days
I have seen this a number of times on this vehicle. There have been quite a few concerns with blown head gaskets on Subaru engines, especially this one. Adding stop leak is not going to fix it and in some...
cooling fans, are they specific to make & model?
Hello. Aftermarket fans could possibly work to cool your vehicle, however they probably will not work as efficiently or fit as well as the original fans. I would recommend having the fans installed by the dealer, or at least having...
Air sucking noise at low RPM during acceleration
Inspect the inlet air tube between the throttle body and the mass airflow sensor. You most likely will find that the tube may be loose, has disconnected, or has cracks in the hose itself. If it is damaged then replace...
Vehicle is difficult to start sometimes; Sounds like it's about to stall when at idle
In order to isolate the hard engine start (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-hard-to-start-inspection) the first test will need to be a fuel pressure and leak down test to see if the pressure is within specifications when the key is turned on and the pressure...
Is there a way to stop a leak in my 1994 Honda Accord.
Hi there. Your leak can be coming from a number of places. If the fluid is really clear it is more than likely coolant. Most of the time a coolant leak comes from the radiator, one of the hoses or...
Hello where is a stepper motor located on a 2010 Nissan altima
Hi Jacki. Thanks for contacting us today. The Stepper Motor is a component that is found within the CVT transmission valve body. It should be replaced as a unit - not the individual unit - as it's very difficult to...
Related articles
All About Car Battery Chargers
Everyone Everyone has experienced a dead car battery from time to time. It’s common occurance, especially in winter, when batteries have to work even harder to get you to where you want to go. Fortunately, there’s a solution. A portable...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Think Think of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class as the two-door cousin of the S-Class lineup. Each vehicle in this class is a stylish, sexy coupe. What’s more – they all manage to combine incredible performance with svelte styling. They might...
How to Adjust Timing on a Car
A well timed ignition will allow the engine to run powerfully and efficiently. The timing needs adjustment when the engine runs too lean or too rich.
Browse other content
Services
Cities