6 Signs Your Buick or GMC Vehicle May Need an Alternator Repair From Your Kerrville, TX GMC Dealer

January 08, 2022 · 3 min read

The electrical systems in your vehicle can't run without the alternator, so it's vital that this key component is always working correctly. Various electrical problems can occur when your alternator starts failing, and you need to visit your Kerrville, TX GMC dealer for an alternator repair as soon as you notice one of the signs below.

Photo by: auto.howstuffworks.com

1. The Alternator Warning Light Comes on

Modern vehicles have a little warning light that tells you if you're having alternator trouble. The light is usually shaped like a battery, and it will illuminate in red if there's a problem. The light may also say "ALT" or "GEN" instead of being shaped like a battery. This light will switch on if your alternator's output gets too low, and it's a sign that you need to visit the dealer before you experience any of the other signs of alternator trouble.

2. The Headlights Start Acting Strangely

A failing alternator provides inconsistent power to your vehicle's electrical components, so your headlights might start pulsating, flickering on and off, or emitting lights that are too dim. If you're having any trouble with your headlights, then you may have a problem with the alternator.

3. The Other Electrical Components Aren't Working Well

Your vehicle's minor electrical components will most likely start falling before your headlights behave erratically. The radio might stop working, or perhaps your seat warmers will start taking much longer to heat up. It's easy to disregard these warning signs, as your radio and seat warmers don't feel important enough to warrant a trip to the dealer.

However, you should never put off a visit to the dealer if something isn't working well in your vehicle. You need to visit the dealer to see if it's your alternator that's causing the problem. If your alternator is causing the problem, then you'll be glad that you visited the dealer sooner rather than later.

5. The Battery Dies Unexpectedly

Sometimes your battery will die due to external influence. Temperature fluctuations can flatten the battery, for example. However, a malfunctioning alternator can also prevent your battery from charging up.

The alternator charges the battery while driving, so if your alternator is causing this problem, then you won't be able to drive at all. You won't even be able to drive if you jumpstart your vehicle. However, you will be able to drive if you jumpstart your vehicle and your alternator is working fine, but your battery is having issues.

6. The Vehicle Is Stalling

If you suddenly start stalling regularly, then your alternator might not be working enough to power your spark plugs. The spark plugs ignite the fuel in the engine of your vehicle, and if the spark plugs aren't powered correctly, then they can't keep your vehicle running. This will lead to stalling. You might also have trouble starting your vehicle, and this is another sign that the alternator is having trouble powering your spark plugs.

These issues may be anxiety-inducing, but they're all fixable. Visit Crenwelge Motors GMC and we can fix your vehicle right up.

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Feb 17, 2024 in Crenwelge Motors Service

5 Things to Love About the 2024 RAM 2500 at Your RAM Dealer

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May 17, 2023 in Crenwelge Motors Service

Your Guide to the 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Attention car enthusiasts and Wrangler fans! A new must-have mid-size SUV is here to make all your trips as enjoyable as possible. Available in two- and four-door body styles, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler boasts outstanding off-road capabilities, a variety of energetic engines, and advanced technologies. Keep reading to learn more about what makes it so special. Photo by: Aman Malik via pexels.com more 1. Exterior Wherever you go, the '23 Wrangler stands out. With lots of available top options, your Wrangler provides numerous ways to experience true open-air freedom. The optional Xtreme Recon Package offers 35-inch tires, offering drivers a greater grip on the terrain. The optional Premium LED Lighting Group includes reflector headlamps, fog lights, and running lights that provide spectacular visibility and style. Customize your Wrangler to your liking by choosing from multiple exterior colors, including firecracker red, high-velocity, sarge green, bright white, granite crystal, and more. 2. Interior Comfort Wrangler's interior is nothing short of cutting edge. Available heated front seats and steering wheel enhance comfy trips during cold weather. Take your music experience to the next level with the upgraded 9-speaker Alpine sound system featuring an overhead sound bar, an all-weather subwoofer, and a 552-watt amplifier. The weather-resistant removable carpets and one-way floor drain valve make cleaning up a breeze after muddy rides. While on the road, passengers can browse the web as much as they want with the available WIFI hotspot that can connect up to eight devices. The Uconnect system provides an optional 8.4-inch touch screen, which is accessible by use of voice command. Ask available Alexa to send driving directions to your car, check your fuel status, and even start your engine in the comfort of your home. 3. Safety Technology The new Wrangler features more than 70 standard and available safety and security equipment to help drivers get to their destinations safe and sound. The optional blind-spot monitor and rear cross-path detection help drivers stay aware of traffic in their blind zones. For easy parking, you get to access features like a forward-facing camera, rear parking assist, and rear backup camera. 4. Performance Created for optimal on-and off-road performance, the 2023 Wrangler provides enough power to explore where other cars wouldn't dream of going. The base engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 getting 285 hp and 260 lb. feet of torque. There's also a PHEV electrical powerplant that cranks 375 hp and 470 lb. feet of torque. For more power, opt for the 6.4-liter V-8 generating 470 hp and 470 lb. feet of torque. The 2023 Wrangler enhances your confidence on the road. It features protective underbody skid plates and exceptional ground clearance, enabling you to easily drive over logs, rocks, or any other challenging road. Stop by Crenwelge Motors to take your favorite Wrangler trim for a test drive.

Mar 15, 2023 in Crenwelge Motors Service

6 Signs Your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM Needs a Brake Repair At Your Chrysler Dealer

Keeping on top of the repairs your vehicle needs keeps you safe. It also decreases costs down the line, as you'll catch issues early and fix them before they become time-consuming and expensive to repair. Learn the signs that you need a brake repair, and head to your Chrysler dealer if any of these issues show up. Photo by: NoName_13 via pixabay.com more 1. Your Brakes Are Squealing Brakes that squeal while you're driving usually need their brake pads replaced. The pads have a wear indicator built into them. When the brake pads wear down enough, it exposes a piece of metal that scratches against your rotor. Listen out during every car ride so you'll catch the squealing as early as possible. 2. Your Brakes Are Slow to Act If braking is taking longer than usual, then you should get your brakes checked out as soon as possible. Even a second or two of extra time before your car comes to a stop can make driving more dangerous. Be safe, and always visit the dealer if coming to a stop is taking longer than usual. 3. Your Brake Pedal Feels Soft Your brake pedal should have resistance when you step on it. If it's spongy or soft when you step on it, then it can indicate a variety of issues. You may also notice braking is taking longer than usual while your pedal feels soft or spongy. Visit a dealer as soon as you can. 4. Your Brake Pedal Vibrates If your brake pedal vibrates when used, then it's a sign the brakes need a checkup. Your steering wheel vibrating when you brake is also a sign something is wrong with your braking system. 5. Your Brakes Are Overheating If you smell something burning in your vehicle, then one of its components is likely overheating. It could be your brakes, especially if they've been under any strain recently. Pull over for 30 minutes to let the car cool down, then drive straight to the dealer. However, if there's smoke coming from under your hood, then don't attempt to drive further. Pull over and get towed to the dealer, as your engine is most likely overheating, and driving further could cause extensive damage. 6. Your Brake Light Comes On Sometimes you won't experience any of the issues above, so you'll assume your brakes are fine. However, your brake light might come on, indicating there's an issue. Never put off heading to the dealer when the brake light comes on. Stopping by the dealer will let you catch issues early. Stop by Crenwelge CDJR Kerrville for a checkup or repair on your brakes today. Our technicians can take care of any brake issues you have.