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An alternator is a mini electrical generator. This mini generator is powered by the turning crankshaft and produces electricity for all your car’s systems. In time, the alternator can get worn or damaged and you’ll need an alternator repair. As your Ford dealer, we can repair or replace it. These are a few signs that your alternator may be failing.
Dead Battery
A dead battery could be due to age, or it could be a sign of a worn alternator. A car battery has a lifespan of three to five years before it wears out. If your battery is newer than this, the most likely cause of the problem is a worn alternator. As your alternator ages, it will become weaker and produce less electricity.
The alternator is responsible for charging your battery. The battery uses a large amount of power to start your engine, and it depends on the replenishment of this energy by the alternator. A weak alternator, however, may not fully recharge your battery. Each time you start your engine, your battery will weaken until it dies. We can test your alternator and replace it if it’s worn out.
Grinding Noises
A grinding sound from the engine is never a good sign. This noise suggests that a component has broken, and the broken parts are causing additional damage. When the crankshaft turns, the alternator belt runs across the alternator pulley and causes it to spin. The alternator is connected to the alternator pulley, and it sits on bearings that allow it to turn.
The bearings are subject to friction, and this friction can damage them. If one of the bearings breaks, it will produce a grinding noise as the damaged bearing continues to move. Your alternator will become weaker as the damaged bearing prevents it from spinning as fast as it is designed to. Our technicians will examine the bearings, and we can replace any damaged ones.
Dim Lights
Dim headlights could be a sign that the bulbs are about to blow. If your cabin and dash lights are also dim, the most likely cause is a worn alternator. As we saw above, a worn alternator gradually produces less and less power. This reduced power supply will eventually mean that even components that require limited power will suffer.
The dim lights mean your alternator is close to failing. You will also see that the check battery light will illuminate due to the limited available power. If the alternator is the cause of the problem, your electrical problems will disappear when we replace it.
There are many other signs of a worn alternator. Call us at Franklin Ford, and our technicians will test the alternator for you.
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