In your car, while the battery supplies electricity to the engine starter, ignition coils, headlights, and other electrical components, the alternator is responsible for keeping the battery fully charged up at all times. Whenever you’re driving, the alternator continuously converts the engine’s mechanical power into electricity to charge the battery. So if you’re experiencing any of the following electrical problems, you might need prompt alternator repairs at your local Ford dealership.
Your Battery Has Died
When a car battery dies, it might have grown too old. Alternatively, you might have left the headlights or stereo on overnight, which drained the battery. Another potential cause is a faulty alternator.
If a bad alternator failed to recharge the battery during your last drive, the battery might not have enough power for the starter. When you jumpstart your car, if the engine keeps running, then your alternator is still generating electricity and is probably okay. However, if the engine dies again quickly after the jumpstart, you may need a new alternator.
Your Headlights Brighten and Fade Erratically
When an alternator begins to falter, the power it supplies becomes erratic. This can cause the headlights and other external and internal lights to suddenly grow brighter and dimmer, or even flicker.
Your Electrical Accessories Slow Down
When an alternator fault restricts the supply of electricity, various electrical components in your car will slow down and start failing. This might include the dashboard dials, stereo, heated seats, phone charger, power windows, air-con, infotainment screen, and more.
You Hear Whining Sounds
Sometimes an alternator fault is caused by the serpentine belt slipping loose or breaking. The serpentine belt transmits power from the engine’s crankshaft to the alternator and various other car parts. If your serpentine belt begins to slip out of place, you might hear an odd whining noise and smell burning rubber.
Your Dashboard Warning Lights Appear
When a bad battery or alternator restricts the flow of voltage, a battery warning light will usually come to life on the dashboard. In some models, you’ll see a battery-shaped light, and in others, you’ll see a more specific ALT light that points directly to the alternator as the faulty part.
A Technician at Your Ford Dealership Finds an Fault
While inspecting your vehicle during regular maintenance checks, the technicians at your local dealership may well detect alternator problems before you do. They can then nip the problem in the bud by fixing or replacing the alternator, saving you from the risk of sudden alternator-related vehicle failure on the road.
Have your alternator repaired or replaced today at Coughlin Ford of Pataskala in Pataskala, OH. We’re a friendly local dealership providing an extensive range of new and used cars along with award-winning customer care.
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