How can you tell if it’s your alternator, battery, or starter when your car won’t start? Well, if it’s the alternator, it’s indirectly the battery, too, because the alternator charges the battery. To tell the difference between the two, jump start the car and turn on the headlights. If your car runs but your headlights dim, your battery isn’t holding a charge. If your battery is holding a charge yet it won’t start, it’s probably the alternator. Auto Solutions list some signs that point to the alternator instead of the battery.
Dimming Lights
Your car, truck, or SUV’s alternator helps power the electrical systems. It also keeps the battery charged. If your alternator is failing, you’ll probably notice it first in the lights. If your exterior and interior lights seem to be dimmer than normal, your alternator is not providing enough power to the lighting system.
Dashboard Warning
One of these lights that might be difficult to see is a dashboard warning light that reads “GEN” or “ALT.” GEN stands for generator and ALT means alternator. If this warning light comes on, your automobile’s computer chip is telling you there’s a problem with a power source, usually the alternator.
Battery Problems
As mentioned above, your battery relies on the alternator to keep it charged and if the alternator is failing your battery cannot stay charged. If you cannot start your car, it’s best to jump-start it and drive to an auto shop. A mechanic can test the battery and the alternator to determine which is at fault.
Strange Smell
Your alternator works with belts to generate electricity. As you know, a belt that is compromised will heat up because it’s generating too much friction. Your alternator could be going bad if you smell burning rubber from your engine. No matter what, the burning rubber smell is likely a belt.
Strange Sounds
The belts spin numerous parts in the alternator to, again, generate electricity. These parts eventually wear down over time and break. As they’re wearing down, you might hear a grinding sound or something that sounds like a whine. It’s not your children unless it’s coming from the backseat, but it could be alternator parts in trouble.
Located in Orlando, FL, Auto Solutions is a full-service auto service and repair shop. Call us today to set up a vehicle electrical system inspection. We’ll check your alternator, battery, and starter to see if any of these things will leave you stranded down the road.
