If the charging ports in your automobile have stopped working, JA Motors advises that you may have a faulty alternator. The alternator helps to keep the battery charged and powers various power accessories and automotive parts. Charging ports that are not working, power seats and windows that are too slow, or a navigation system that turns itself off is just one sign that the alternator is going bad.
Dead Battery
As we just mentioned, the alternator keeps the battery charged, so another sign that the alternator needs to be replaced is a dead battery. If the battery is old, it may not be able to retain a charge. If the battery is new and refusing to hold a charge, the problem points to the alternator rather than the battery. Bring your vehicle to our shop so we can test the alternator.
Frequent Stalling
Another auto part that the alternator provides power to is the spark plugs. The plugs need power to produce sparks in each cylinder so the air and fuel inside each cylinder ignite. If your automobile has started to stall frequently due to misfiring, the spark plugs may not be getting the power they need.
Growling/Whining
The alternator may also start to make noises in the engine as it tries to produce power. These noises include growling and whining; the former points to the alternator and the latter points to the alternator belt. If you hear strange noises coming from your engine, come to our shop right away.
Hot Electricity
An automobile alternator produces a minimum of 13 volts of electricity to a maximum of 14.5 volts of electricity. When the alternator malfunctions, it may produce more electricity than the maximum amount that it should. Consequently, it will overheat your automobile’s electrical system.
Light Problems
If the alternator is producing too much electricity, you will also notice that all of your vehicle’s lights are suddenly very bright. If the alternator is dying and not producing enough electricity, the lights will be dimmer than normal. Finally, they may also flicker if the alternator is producing uneven voltage.
Warning Light
Finally, when the alternator goes bad the battery light turns on in newer automobiles. If you drive an older automobile, you may have an ALT light on the dashboard that will turn on. Either dashboard warning points to a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system that could be the alternator.
Call JA Motors in Peachtree City, GA, today to set up a service appointment if you believe that your alternator is going bad.