The alternator transmits power from your car’s engine to your battery, recharging it and keeping all the electronic components of your vehicle up and running. If your alternator runs into trouble, your battery won’t last long, and neither will many other parts of your car. Let’s take a look at signs you might need to visit your local Chrysler dealer for an alternator repair.
Your Battery Dies
A functioning alternator keeps your battery fully charged with each drive you take. If your alternator begins to fail, then your battery will charge less and less with each drive, until it finally dies. If your battery does give up the ghost, there might be other possible causes. Perhaps you left your headlights on all night, or it might be because the battery itself is simply too old and has died on its own.
Jumpstart to Diagnose the Problem
To see if the problem lies with your alternator or your battery, you can jumpstart your car. After you jumpstart it, if your engine stays running, then the problem most likely lies with your battery. But if the car dies again a short time later, then your alternator probably isn’t doing its job. Have it repaired or replaced by a trusted technician.
Your Headlights Are Dimming
The first sign of a struggling alternator is usually dimming headlights as insufficient voltage is running through your car. Conversely, you might also notice sporadically overly-bright headlights, flickering in the light, or other signs of erratic voltage. These are all indicators of a failing battery or alternator.
You Have Trouble Starting
One vital function of your battery is to start your car. If you turn the key and the starter takes more time than usual, this points to a weakening battery, which could well be a result of alternator trouble.
You’re Stalling Frequently
The spark plugs that ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chambers of your engine require a strong electrical current. If this flow of electricity begins to weaken, then the spark plugs will start failing to fire as they should. This leads to sputtering and sudden stalls. So if you keep stalling, have both your battery and your alternator checked.
Your Electronics Are Failing
There are many electrical parts in all modern vehicles. If you notice any abnormalities in your air conditioning, power windows, radio, dashboard, or sunroof, take a look at your battery and alternator. Either one could be on its last legs.
Your Dashboard Warns You
The computerized monitors throughout your car will warn you of all kinds of detected problems, including issues with your alternator. This will probably show up as an “ALT” or “GEN” light, depending on your car’s make and model. If you see such a light, don’t ignore it. Have a technician take a look.
How a Chrysler Dealer Can Help You
First, a technician will use a diagnostic device to determine if your problem lies with the alternator, battery, or starter. They’ll cross-reference the device readouts with the service limits set by Chrysler for your car model. Once the problem is identified, they’ll repair or replace the necessary parts, using specialist tools.
For any concerns you have about your alternator or other parts of your car, pop into Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Detroit. We’re a local family-owned dealership, and we’ve been helping out the drivers of Detroit since 1926.
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