It starts with an illuminated battery light, dimmed dashboard, and headlights, and before you know it, you smell strange odors and hear whining or rattling sounds from under the hood. A failing alternator will cause all these issues, and if you don’t attend to the problem fast, and get your car to your Toyota dealer for an alternator repair, soon you’ll likely find it hard to start your vehicle. Or your car won’t start at all.
The Battery Warning Light Is Illuminated
When the battery light on your dashboard is on, it may not always be a battery issue. If the alternator’s voltage output fluctuates, the battery light will come on or flicker. Turning on an accessory, such as your windshield wipers, will trigger the battery warning light if your alternator has a problem.
We suggest never ignoring the dashboard warning lights when you want to avoid a breakdown. Schedule a service appointment with your Toyota technician as soon as possible.
You’ve Got Problems With the Accessories
Your car’s alternator is responsible for the electrical supply, and when it’s not working correctly, the computer will cut power to certain non-critical accessories. If you experience several electrical issues at once, blame the alternator.
Suddenly the heated seats and the radio will not work, the sunroof will get stuck, and you will have problems with the power locks, windows, and windshield wipers. It’s best not to use these accessories to avoid complete alternator failure until your Toyota technician repairs the problem.
The Lights Are Flickering and Dim
When you’ve got alternator trouble, your alternator can’t generate enough power to keep the lights, including the headlights and dashboard lights, shining properly. Your lights might flicker or grow dim when you turn on the radio or use the power windows. The headlights could also change from bright to dull and then bright again.
Your Car Is Stalling and Hard to Start
Finding it hard to start your car and keep it running is a definite sign of alternator trouble. Your vehicle starts from the power stored in the battery. Because a malfunctioning alternator is not properly recharging the battery, there is insufficient power to get your car going. Try to jump-start your vehicle. If it dies after the jump-start, the alternator is likely the culprit and not the battery.
You Smell Hot Wires or Burning Rubber
When an alternator is overworked and pushing too much power through the wires, it will give off an electrical odor. When the drive belt is worn, or the pulley is misaligned or not turning correctly, you will smell burning rubber caused by friction and heat.
You Hear Whining or Growling Noises
When any one of the alternator’s components is worn or breaks, you will hear whining or growling noises coming from the front of your car. These noises could be from worn bearings or a misaligned belt rubbing against the pulley. Address the problem fast because, eventually, it will cause damage to the engine, and you might hear rattling noises. Hopefully, the problem will be repaired long before you hear rattling noises.
Do you think the issue might be your car battery? Read the signs to look out for when your car battery needs a replacement.
At DARCARS Toyota of Frederick, we’re here to help! Whether you need a local service center you can trust, new parts, or comprehensive information about your Toyota, we have you covered. Schedule your auto repair in Frederick, MD, today!
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