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Your alternator’s job is to turn mechanical energy into electrical energy, and that’s no easy job. Your alternator will eventually wear out and become faulty, so you need to know the signs that you need an alternator repair. Here are some of the top signs you need an alternator repair. Visit your Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealer as soon as you realize you’re in need of this repair.
1. Your Vehicle Warns You
Your vehicle will have a light that says “ALT” or “GEN” on the dash. In some cases, it’ll have a battery-shaped light instead. When this light switches on, then you need to have your alternator and battery checked out. You’re having problems. The sooner you get your car checked out, the easier the repair is likely to be.
2. Your Vehicle Starts Slowly
Slow starts are a sign that your battery is having trouble powering your vehicle. This could be a battery issue, but it could also be an issue with your alternator. Your alternator charges your car’s battery while you’re driving. If your alternator isn’t charging the battery correctly, then you’re going to have a few slow starts. Eventually, your car may refuse to start at all.
3. Your Vehicle Is Stalling
If your car starts stalling frequently, then you may have an issue with your alternator. It’ll start by stalling while trying to pull away at intersections and while driving up inclines, but then it’ll start stalling when you’re driving on perfectly smooth terrain. There simply isn’t enough power in your engine to keep you running, and that’s your alternator’s fault.
4. Your Vehicle Is Making Weird Noises
Vehicles make all kinds of strange sounds, but you eventually grow used to the sounds your vehicle makes. If it starts making new sounds, then it’s time to worry. There may be something going on under the hood. If your alternator is having problems, then you’re likely to hear whining or growling sounds.
5. Your Vehicle Is Creating Weird Smells
Your alternator emits a burning rubber smell when the belt is wearing down or overheating. This odor can also be caused by wire damage in the alternator. You need to get your vehicle checked out soon, and we recommend driving to the dealer as soon as you catch a whiff of the burning rubber. Don’t push your car too hard while you’re on the way!
6. Your Vehicle Has Electronic Issues
Are your electronics acting strangely? You may have alternator problems. Your alternator needs to prioritize keeping your engine running, keeping your dash on, and keeping your headlights functioning. The power locks, power windows, radio, seat warmers, and similar electronics may stop working because of this.
7. Your Vehicle Switches Off After Jumpstarting
It’s common to reach for the jumper cables when your car refuses to start in the morning. They’ll usually give you a little jolt, and you’ll be driving away in minutes. However, if your car shuts down shortly after jumpstarting it, then your alternator isn’t working correctly. You won’t be able to drive again until you get it fixed.
Stop by Hutch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to get your alternator fixed. We’ll make sure it’s as good as new when you leave.
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