Alternators perform an important function by charging your battery and powering car electronics.
A failing alternator means that you are getting nowhere fast.
No one like to be stranded, so remember to stay aware.
Here are five signs that you have a failing alternator.
1) Dash warning light
It’s so simple that it seems not worth saying. But many drivers ignore the most obvious sign right in front of them!
Most modern cars are fitted with a dash warning light that will illuminate if there is a problem with the alternator. This light will either be the letters ALT (alternator), GEN (generator) or in the shape of a battery.
If the light turns off after a while, don’t assume that everything fixed itself. Since the alternator powers the electrical system, the car may only initially register a fault when more electronics are in use. If your alternator light turns on, it’s best to get the car inspected immediately. You don’t want to end up on the side of the road in need of a repair!
2) Burning rubber smell
The mechanism that powers your alternator is made up of a crankshaft pulley and rubber belt(s). Excess friction is created if these belts are restricted from rotating, which in turn produces excess heat. This can result in a smell of burning rubber. Unpleasant for the driver as well as the car!
3) Erratic electronics
Alternators are responsible for supplying energy to your car electronics. It follows, then, that the electronic components of your vehicle will behave erratically if the alternator is experiencing issues.
The programming of your vehicle’s computer. A lot of modern cars actually have a list of priorities programmed into their computer, which ensures that power is supplied to certain aspects of your car first.
The part of the alternator that is on its last legs. Cranks, belts and your actual alternator may all give out. Your car electronics will behave differently depending on where they problem lies.
4) Failing Battery
If your alternator is underperforming, it makes sense that something electronic has to pick up the slack. Instead of receiving electrical power from the alternator, the car battery can begin to supply extra energy to the system. This is problematic, since the car battery is only designed to kickstart your starter motor, rather than supplying long term power, and will drain your battery quickly.
However, a flat battery isn’t indicative of a failing alternator. Age or a greedy electronic device (eg. a headset) may also cause a battery to die.
How can you know the difference between a dead battery and a failing alternator?
Jump-start a dead car.
Quickly remove the jumper cables.
Observe. If the car fails again soon after, the problem likely lies with your alternator. If the car runs consistently, your issue is with the battery.
Note that this method isn’t 100% fool proof. Sometimes a battery at the end of its life will fail to keep running. If in doubt, head to your mechanic and ask them to do a battery test – or have a mechanic come to you!
5) Obscure sounds
The pulleys and belts that power your alternator spin rapidly to produce an electrical current. When one of these parts is worn, cracked or broken, a whining, grinding or growling noise may be heard coming from the engine. Keep an ear out. If something doesn’t sound right, your alternator may be on the way out.
