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.
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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