What makes alternators go bad

Bearings in the engine may fail, creating unusual rattles. There might not be enough power in the spark plugs to start the engine, or to keep the engine alive, causing it to stall. The battery will drain because the alternator is not keeping it charged. Gary Starkey. Prev Next. Recent Posts. Have Auto Electrical Problems? Most Popular.

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Oftentimes, the starter will go out with little or no warning. But there are a few signs to look out for that can alert you that the alternator is about to die: The headlights start pulsating at night, from dim to bright.

Overused as when charging several electronics at once. An electrical burning smell coming from the alternator, or the battery. The alternator warning light or other dashboard warning lights come on. Your car radio or other electrical components may work intermittently. What causes an Alternator to go bad? Jumpstart the car the wrong way. Install an accessory inside that overloads it. Fluid leaks in the starter. Learn more about our information disclaimer ».

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Flickering headlights? Strange noises? These could be signs of a failing alternator. So, how do you know if you are having trouble with your alternator? But what exactly does an alternator do? Put simply, your alternator keeps your car battery charged, allowing you to turn on your car and use electronic accessories such as your headlights and radio. When an alternator begins to fail, it provides inconsistent voltage to your electronic accessories. Generally, that takes the form of under- or over-performing equipment, such as headlights that are either too dim or extremely bright.

You may also experience flickering lights or lights that erratically go from bright to dim and vice-versa. Other times, however, a dead battery could be a sign that your alternator is malfunctioning. One way to test whether the issue is battery- or alternator-related is to jumpstart the car. If you jumpstart your car and it stays running, your battery may need replacing soon. As previously mentioned, trouble starting your engine might mean that your alternator is failing to charge the battery.

This means that when you turn the key in the ignition, all you'll hear is a clicking sound instead of the purr of your engine. Cars make a ton of odd sounds — some are harmless while others can indicate serious mechanical problems.