Alternator Repair | Do You Need It?
If your car won’t start or stay running, it likely has alternator issues and might need alternator repair work done. The alternator comprises a vital part of the engine, as it ensures your car battery stays charged. Without a well-functioning alternator, your car’s electrical system will fail.
At Sierra Blanca Motors, we have the auto repair expertise to help you notice these signs. We’ve proudly served Ruidoso, NM, and the surrounding communities for over 50 years. We can help you with any alternator repairs or replacements.
Look for the following seven signs that your car needs an alternator repair.
Weak Battery | Dead Battery | Battery Doesn't Stay Charged
When your battery is weak, dead, or won’t stay charged, either your alternator or battery is at fault. To find the culprit, check for a battery light on your dashboard. If that light isn’t on, try jumpstarting your car.
A faulty alternator will not keep the battery charged when the car engine runs. If your car starts up but quickly dies, your alternator might be malfunctioning.
Dim Lights | Flickering Lights
Regularly check that your headlights are functioning. If you notice your headlights dimming or flickering, you likely have an electrical problem. An electrical problem signals an alternator problem.
A bad alternator will fail to generate sufficient power to charge your car’s electrical system. For that reason, never ignore malfunctioning headlights or other electrical issues. They’re a reliable sign that you need to get your alternator checked by a technician.
Slow or Malfunctioning Accessories
Besides powering your headlights, your alternator is also responsible for charging your car’s electric accessories. These accessories include your windows, interior lighting, radio controls, seat warmers, and other electronic components. When any accessory fails to work correctly, it’s indicating another possible sign of the alternator malfunctioning.
You should routinely check your accessories for good function. If any seem to be functioning unusually slow or not at all, you may require alternator repair.
Frequent Stalling | Trouble Starting
A bad alternator will struggle to provide power to the car battery and spark plugs. That lack of power won’t be enough to keep your car’s engine running. This issue will then cause your vehicle to stall frequently while driving or have trouble starting.
Stalling while you’re driving can be a dangerous problem. When stalling happens, be sure to seek “alternator repair near me” as soon as possible.
Whining Noise | Growling Noise | Knocking Noise
Cars make many noises as they start up, operate, and power down. Deciphering which ones are “normal” car sounds and problematic sounds can be difficult. However, if you hear a whining or growling noise from under your car's hood, you may have a malfunctioning alternator.
Your alternator has several moving parts that produce unusual sounds when not functioning correctly. So, have a technician take a look if you hear any unfamiliar sounds.
Smell of Burning Rubber
When an overworked alternator or one of its parts suddenly breaks down, it creates the smell of burning rubber. That odor comes from the alternator’s wires or belts that attach to the engine. The wires are overheating due to an influx of current.
Overly hot and damaged wires or belts are an emergency situation. If you smell burning rubber from your car, act quickly. Reach out to a technician to assess your vehicle immediately.
Battery Warning Light
You probably know that the battery warning light on your dashboard signals a car battery issue. You may not know that light can indicate any problem within your car’s electrical system. It often signals an issue with the alternator.
Bring in your car for an alternator inspection if you see your battery warning light turn on. Even if you see your warning light flickering on and off, get your car inspected.
Your Alternator Repair Experts | Sierra Blanca Motors
Hopefully, these signs will help you never search “is my alternator going bad” again. Whether you notice just one or multiple signs, seek car maintenance immediately.
Sierra Blanca Motors is the trusted dealership in Ruidoso, NM, serving the local communities with all their vehicle maintenance needs. With over 50 years of expertise, our team can perform your alternator and vehicle repair needs. Contact us at (575) 315-0145 to schedule our first-class alternator repair.
