Yes, a dead alternator will cause a dead battery. As the battery discharges, the alternator recharges it. If the alternator goes bad, Trojan Auto Care advises that your battery will discharge completely and no longer work. Having difficulties starting your automobile or a dead battery is just one sign that your alternator is going bad. We are going to list the other signs of a faulty alternator below.
Dashboard Warning Light
You may end up with a dashboard warning light that will tell you that the alternator is malfunctioning. The light may be in the shape of a battery or be the letters ALT or GEN. if this light turns on, there is a problem with your vehicle’s electrical system. One common problem that generates this type of dashboard warning is a malfunctioning alternator that is going bad.
Frequent Engine Stalls
Aside from keeping the battery powered, the alternator also powers the spark plugs. If the alternator is going out, it may be unable to provide the power that the spark plugs need to generate the sparks for engine combustion. When this happens, your engine will misfire and even stall frequently.
Growling or Whining Sounds
If you hear growling or whining sounds coming from the engine, there could be a problem with your alternator or the alternator belt, respectively. If the belt is not operating as it should be, the alternator will struggle to generate the 13 to 14.5 volts that it generates.
Hot Electrical Wiring
Sometimes, when an alternator is dying, it will work too hard to produce electricity. When this happens, it overloads your vehicle’s electrical system and you may smell hot electrical wiring as a result. This can also melt the wiring insulation which smells like burning plastic or rubber.
Malfunctioning Accessories
Another indication that you need a new alternator is malfunctioning accessories. The alternator helps to power things such as your power windows, car radio, and power seats. If you notice that the electrical accessories in your automobile are slow or malfunctioning, you likely have an alternator problem.
Noticeably Dim Lights
Finally, when the alternator is dying, it cannot provide enough power to your vehicle’s lights for them to achieve normal brightness. When this happens, you will notice that all of the lights, including the dashboard light, are dimmer than normal. This can definitely be caused by an alternator problem.
Call Trojan Auto Care in Troy, OH, today if you think your car’s alternator might be going bad. We will test both the alternator and the battery and replace both if necessary.
