Trouble starting your car doesn’t necessarily mean battery problems; it could also be your alternator. Your alternator will give you signs it’s going bad before it actually dies, so if you pay close attention, you can have the part replaced before you cannot get your vehicle started at all. Kauai Auto Repair, LLC would be happy to test your alternator if your vehicle is doing any of the following five things.
1. Problem Starting It
The first sign of trouble is problems starting your car, truck, or SUV. If an alternator isn’t functioning properly, your battery cannot remain powered. You might notice your car has trouble starting in the morning or runs rough. Performance issues could mean your battery isn’t getting enough power. A clear sign the alternator is the problem when your car won’t start is a clicking sound.
2. Electrical Issues
As your alternator wears down, the components it powers will subtly show you signs. For example, you might notice your headlights are not as bright as they used to be, or you might find yourself squinting to see your dashboard at night because it’s dimmer. Another indication of alternator trouble is your power windows that roll down too slowly. Once the alternator dies, these things will die, too.
3. Growling/Whining Noises
You might think your alternator wouldn’t make noise other than the clicking sound discussed above, but it can growl or whine when it’s failing. This is because the alternator uses a belt that is powered by the alternator crankshaft pulley. To power, your vehicle, the alternator’s pulley will spin fast. If there is something wrong with the pulley or belt, you will whines or growls from the affected part.
4. Burning Rubber Smell
If the belt and pulley are misaligned, friction will cause a burning rubber smell. If your vehicle is overheating, it will also smell like burning rubber. Sometimes it overheats so much that it scorches wires, and you will smell this, as well. This said, a burning rubber smell could indicate all sorts of car trouble, so bring your vehicle in right away for an inspection to isolate the source of the smell.
5. Dashboard Light
Finally, depending on your vehicle, you might have a battery, ALT, or GEN dashboard warning light. You may also have a battery power gauge, and if the gauge reads low, your battery is low on juice. If any of the lights come on, or your Check Engine light, you may have an alternator or other trouble. These warnings lights are designed to illuminate the first signs of problems.
Located in Lihue, HI, Kauai Auto Repair, LLC, is a full-tire service auto shop. Contact us if you suspect your vehicle has alternator trouble.
